The Young Women's Leadership Academy of Midland (YWLA) has entered into a partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) and the Boys & Girls Club of the Permian Basin. The collaboration is set to work with the WEX Foundation on a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) grant worth $800,000. The partnership is slated to commence in the fall of 2024.
According to KOSA News, a CBS affiliate in the Permian Basin, the grant will be utilized for promoting a Science, Technology, Mathematics, and Engineering (STEM) education initiative titled 'New Worlds Await You – Second Generation'.
The station further reported that UTPB students who are studying to become STEM teachers will deliver a NASA-commissioned curriculum to middle school students at YWLA and Boys & Girls Club.
Paula Gutierrez, a biology lecturer at UTPB and the principal investigator for this new course, informed KOSA that students in the region will have an opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM small group work. Additionally, she mentioned that this initiative would bolster the pool of STEM-trained middle school teachers.
Laura Doughty, Principal of YWLA, expressed her pride in being part of this partnership to Odessa American. Doughty said that this course would stimulate interest in STEM among young women and inspire them to pursue careers in this field.
According to information from the Midland Independent School District (MISD), YWLA emphasizes college preparatory academics, leadership development through community service, as well as health and wellness. Established in 2019 initially serving sixth and seventh graders before adding high school underclassmen during the current academic year. The school is a joint venture between MISD and Dallas-based Young Women's Preparatory Network and plans are underway for it to expand into a 6th-12th grade campus.