Young Women’s Leadership Schools

Drawing on the successful practices of The Young Women’s Leadership Schools and current research in girls’+ education, the Young Women’s Leadership model comprises two components: the four pillars of girls’+ education programming and the WholeGirl+ Education framework for classroom instruction and school culture.

Today, our Young Women’s Leadership model is foundational in shaping the educational approach of 25 schools nationwide, including The Young Women’s Leadership Schools (TYWLS) in NYC, our Young Women’s Leadership affiliate schools nationwide, and our partner network, The Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) in Texas.

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The WholeGirl+ Education Framework

The WholeGirl+ Education framework comprises eleven effective practices that are integral to The Young Women’s Leadership Schools’ instructional approach and inform school design, programming, policy, and culture. Paramount among these practices are the engagement and encouragement of student voice, as well as the nurture and support of students’ sense of connection to one another, their teachers, the curriculum, and the broader school community.

These practices can be applied in any classroom and across all content areas. As school design principles, they can guide a wide range of programming and policy decisions throughout the school, and support student development of six key competencies:

  • Leadership
  • Self-advocacy
  • Identity
  • Self-regard
  • Academic preparedness
  • Growth mindset
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93%

Historic college enrollment rate at The Young Women’s Leadership Schools.

2X

Our alumnae earn STEM degrees at nearly twice the rate of women nationwide.

Student Leadership Network offers a range of professional learning opportunities for those interested in learning more about the Young Women’s Leadership model and implementation of the WholeGirl+ Educational framework in your classroom, school, or district.

Download Fact Sheet and Learn More
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Join Us in Driving Gender Equity!

Want to learn more about our Whole Girl Education framework and help us bring academically rigorous programs fused with strong social-emotional support to girls+ across the country?

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