According to research collected by the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools, graduates of all-girls schools perform better academically, have higher aspirations and are more likely than those attending coeducational schools to impact their communities and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

Dallas-based Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN), a nonprofit founded in 2002 whose mission is to support single-gender, college-preparatory, public education, operates 11 schools in 10 Texas independent school districts. YWPN’s model shows that all girls can excel when given the right opportunity. Now, the network is being lauded for its efforts.

On March 27, Western Governors University’s (WGU) School of Business will present the Elevate Award to YWPN in recognition of its exceptional work across Texas in empowering young women with the leadership skills and academic preparation needed for lifelong success. WGU's Elevate Award is given to individuals and organizations that contribute to high-quality learning opportunities and support the educational success of others.

Led by Mitsu Frazier, senior vice president and executive dean, the WGU School of Business empowers students to learn at the speed of business and earn the skills needed to achieve their professional goals.

"Education is the surest path to opportunity, and it sets individuals on a path to independence and freedom," Frazier said. "It is an honor to celebrate YWPN's impact on young women and recognize its commitment to shaping future leaders."

This recognition is especially meaningful as the award is being presented at the Irma Lerma Rangel Young Women’s Leadership School in Dallas, which was the first school opened by YWPN. The school’s namesake, Irma Lerma Rangel, was a trailblazing attorney, educator, legislator and mentor to Dr. Linda Garza Battles, WGU’s regional vice president, making this moment a deeply personal and inspiring tribute to the power of mentorship and education.

“YWPN’s dedication to equipping young women with the tools they need to excel academically and lead with confidence aligns with WGU’s mission to expand access, without excluding anyone,” Battles said.

YWPN CEO Lynn McBee will accept the award in a ceremony at 3 p.m. in the Rangel library. Prior to the ceremony, leaders from WGU’s School of Business, who are currently touring the nation to learn how to better serve students, will visit with Rangel students and see the school.

“This honor is very meaningful to us. Our schools have received many awards, but it’s rare for the network itself to receive such amazing recognition,” said Lynn McBee, CEO of Young Women’s Preparatory Network. “The Elevate Award is made even more special with Dr. Battles’ connection to our Dallas school’s namesake. We are very appreciative of WGN for this acknowledgment of our team’s hard work.”

Created in 2022, WGU’s Elevate Awards have been given to nearly 25 individuals and organizations, from school administrators and faculty to Fortune 100 companies across the nation.

About Young Women’s Preparatory Network
Founded in 2002, Young Women’s Preparatory Network (YWPN) is a non-profit agency that partners with public school districts across the state of Texas to operate the largest network of all-girls, public, college preparatory schools in the nation. The schools have won multiple awards, including being recognized among the top public schools in Texas and the nation. During 2024-2025, YWPN is serving over 5,700 students in the 6th-12th grades through its Network of schools in the following school districts: Aldine, Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, Lubbock, Midland, San Antonio, and Ysleta. The YWPN educational model is a catalyst for positive educational change.

Most YWPN students are girls of color who come from low-income households, where often they are the first in their families to graduate high school and attend college. One hundred percent of YWPN students graduate high school and are accepted into a four-year college or university. Last year, the 378 members of the YWPN statewide Class of 2024 earned more than $120 million in academic and merit-based scholarships to attend college.

To learn more, visit www.youngwomensprep.org.