Fort Worth ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy will benefit from a generous $100,000 donation from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. The funds will come through Mr. Cuban’s recent donation to the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth.
The Foundation, which supports the mission of Fort Worth ISD’s first and only single-gender school for young women, was among seven North Texas nonprofits Mr. Cuban committed a combined $850,000 to during North Texas Giving Day, Thursday, September 20. The donations are part of $10 million in donations Mr. Cuban announced Wednesday that he’s contributing to women’s advocacy nonprofits following an NBA investigation relating to the workplace climate with his basketball club.
The Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth is the only Fort Worth-based organization and the only education institution benefitting from the contribution, according to Foundation officials.
Tamara Albury, principal at Fort Worth ISD’s Young Women’s Leadership Academy, said she was awakened Friday to text messages about Mr. Cuban’s donation. She said that with support from the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth, YWLA invests in the “whole child,” ensuring that the school’s girls are socially, emotionally and academically prepared for college. Ms. Albury said she’s appreciative of the support from the Mavericks organization and that people believe in the mission of YWLA and the Foundation that supports it.
“I was so excited,” she said. “I was so excited for the potential opportunity that my students would be able to participate in because of this contribution.
“They see the value in what we’re doing and in my students. It’s fantastic. It’s heartwarming.”
The Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy supports YWLA’s three pillars: college readiness, leadership and wellness life skills as well as its STEAM initiatives. With the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy of Fort Worth’s support in just the last year, YWLA students have had opportunities to study abroad, participate in college test preparation courses and visit colleges and universities, according to school officials.
Courtney Radcliffe, executive director for the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy, said that when she left her office Thursday, the nonprofit had raised about $3,000 in North Texas Giving Day donations. About three hours later, North Texas Giving Day officials informed her via email that the Foundation was the recipient of a $100,000 gift from Mr. Cuban. It came as a complete surprise, she said.
“I was thrilled. Excited,” Mrs. Radcliffe said. “I couldn’t believe it.”
YWLA educates girls in grades six through 12. The school is a member of the Young Women’s Preparatory Network.
North Texas Giving Day is an annual online 18-hour giving event that supports nonprofits across the North Texas region.
About the Foundation for the Young Women’s Leadership Academy
The Foundation supports Young Women’s Leadership Academy, a single-gender public school in the Fort Worth Independent School District. Its purpose is to provide funding for programs that enhance academic achievement and offer leadership opportunities that promote the success of every student in college, career and life. For more details, visit http://ywlafortworth.foundation/
About Young Women’s Leadership Academy
Young Women’s Leadership Academy (YWLA) is a U.S. Department of Education recognized, National Blue Ribbon School. Fort Worth ISD’s first and only single-gender school for girls is designed to prepare young leaders for college readiness, college completion, and life-long community leadership. This seven-year program optimizes student potential through rigorous academics, social-emotional programming, community service, leadership development and individualized college planning. YWLA is a member of the Yung Women’s Preparatory Network, which provides the private enhancements to our public school based on college readiness, leadership and wellness life skills, so that our graduates achieve academic success and are prepared for college and life. Learn more at www.fwisd.org/ywla.
— Courtesy of Fort Worth ISD