Her Legacy. Their Future.

The next chapter of empowering young women leaders.

Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Friends,

The Ann Richards School Foundation exists to support the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, a nationally recognized school focused on leadership, college readiness, project-based learning, and STEM.

None of this can be achieved without the support of you – our engaged and caring community. With your partnership, the Ann Richards School Foundation…

– Advances education and empowers young women from all across Austin.

– Ensures our students have the confidence and skills to apply, attend, and graduate from college.

– Continues the legacy of Ann Richards – creating opportunities for our Stars by educating and encouraging them to become leaders in their community.

I invite you to join us as – together – we support the confident, curious, and hard-working students of the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders now and in the future.

With gratitude,

Peggy Hanley, Executive Director
Ann Richards School Foundation

The Legacy of Ann Richards

Texas Governor Ann Richards was the first in her family to graduate from college. Nothing was more important to Governor Richards than advancing education and empowering young women.

Ann’s vision was to give young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds the skills and confidence necessary to pursue a college education. Her dream became a reality when the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders first opened to 224 girls in 2007.

The Ann Richards School Foundation was created to financially support the school as part of a unique public-private partnership with Austin ISD.

Today, the Ann Richards School represents the demographic diversity of Austin, with students attending from all corners of the city, and creates opportunities for students from underserved communities that otherwise would not be possible.

The Ann Richards School Foundation continues the important work of ensuring vital enrichment programs that directly impact student achievement.

Your support can help ensure our students are highly qualified to enter the workforce and support leading employers.

Success To and Through College

Attending and graduating from college can create a ripple effect for many of our students that can lift their families out of poverty and significantly change the course of their lives.

The Ann Richards School is the only high school in Austin ISD that provides year-round, integrated college-bound programming facilitated by full-time staff.

From day one, the Ann Richards School Foundation supports our Stars as they work to apply, attend, and graduate from college.

Support of the To and Through College program provides:

College Bound Advisor

Guides each student’s college search to help the student and their family navigate the path to college admission.

College Visits

Exposes our Stars to the feel and experience of multiple campuses each year to ensure the right college fit.

Alumnae Support

Provides alumnae with support to address barriers that may arise to ensure college persistence and completion.

STEM in the Classroom

The Ann Richards School curriculum emphasizes Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math to encourage our students to seek careers in which women are traditionally under-represented.

High school students choose a four-year STEM pathway to study

Hands-on learning is key to the success at the Ann Richards School and the Ann Richards School Foundation supports student collaboration.

Your support of our STEM-based curriculum provides:

Project-Based Learning

Ann Richards School students learn by doing projects in groups that help them solve problems, gain confidence, and resiliency.

MakerSpace

A modern-day shop classroom with 3D printing, a laser cutter, and contemporary tools allows students from all types of classes to apply a hands-on learning curriculum.

Internships

Students gain real-world experience in STEM fields and learn professional skills, resume writing, proper interview skills, office attire and etiquette, and professional presentation skills.

A Rewarding Educational Journey

The Ann Richards School develops the emerging innovators we need and the future leaders we want.

Your support is the positive investment that develops the community at the Ann Richards School by providing resources for:

Teacher Professional Development

Professional development support allows our faculty to connect with community partners and resources to provide a unique educational environment that upholds best practices in the classroom.

Student Leadership Opportunities

Students work on project-based initiatives in which they research community needs, design a solution, and build a working model to solve the community’s problem.

Wellness Initiatives

A commitment to the whole person means students and faculty receive support to practice mindfulness, social-emotional learning, and yoga.

Foundation Impact

It’s working! Ann Richards School students are among the best-performing students in the country. The Ann Richards School Foundation makes possible the programs that support students with leadership, STEM, wellness, and attending and graduating from college.

Continue Her Legacy. Empower Their Future.

Your gift will ensure the success of our students in college and beyond, regardless of socioeconomic barriers.

Your support creates opportunities for young women leaders that otherwise would not be possible.

How can I support the Foundation?

Donate Online

Donate by Mail

PO Box 41072, Austin, TX 78704

Make an Estate Gift

How else can I help?

View the Full End of Year Appeal