Programs that change lives.
“The Ann Richards School is helping us learn how to think in innovative and different ways to creatively problem-solve, so all of us can work to change the world.”

– Ella M., 10th Grade

“The Ann Richards School is helping us learn how to think in innovative and different ways to creatively problem-solve, so all of us can work to change the world.”
– Ella M., 10th Grade
Our students at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders are changemakers, critical thinkers, and community leaders who will change the world.
Your support empowers young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by providing crucial enhancement programs:
– Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects
– One-on-one college advising, parent workshops, and college visits beginning in 6th grade
– After-school clubs and educational field trips
– Professional development for teachers
– Support to help alumni persist in college
These programs make a real impact on the lives of students who love learning, have the desire to succeed, and care about the future of the world.
Give today to create life-changing opportunities for our students. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders.
With gratitude,
“The Ann Richards School challenges and shapes us all into amazing women and leaders.”
– Elissa U., 9th Grade
Executive Director, Ann Richards School Foundation
The goal of attending and graduating from college is priority one of the mission statement that our Stars recite daily.
The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders dedicates itself to prepare young women to attend and graduate from college, commit to a healthy and well-balanced lifestyle, lead with courage and compassion, and solve problems creatively and ethically in support of our global community.
Your support of the College Bound Program allows our College Advisor, Eric Heineman, to guide and personalize each student’s college journey to help the student and her family navigate the path to college admission.
It’s working! Ann Richards School students have accumulated well over $100 million in merit-based awards and scholarships since the first class graduated in 2013.
– Grade-level college visits each year
– ARS College Fair with 100+ representatives
– Financial Aid Workshops
– Advanced Placement course prep and testing
– College entry exam prep and testing
– Parent meetings
– Alumni support
Student collaboration is key to project-based learning with the school’s MakerSpace, a modern-day shop classroom, encouraging students to work in groups to solve problems together and gain confidence and resiliency.
Your support of the MakerSpace allows our MakerSpace Coach, Oren Connell, to teach our Stars – even the youngest – to trust the process of “learning to fail” so our students can learn from their mistakes to complete a project.
MakerSpace project highlights:
– Creating an animal enrichment device for the rescue animals at the Austin Zoo
– Building an obstacle course for the incoming 6th graders attending Transition Camp
– Constructing a working model to solve a problem for sophomore year Cornerstone
– Collaborating on a passion project for the school for senior year Legacy Project
“The Ann Richards School has taught me my strengths and weaknesses, and fostered my passion for creativity.”
– Jiya L., 10th Grade
Governor Richards dedicated herself to breaking down barriers for women and used her own successes to encourage women everywhere to become leaders.
Beyond academic preparation, our girls develop strong problem-solving skills and value compassion to become successful leaders.
Students gain strong leadership skills by engaging in meaningful real-world challenges. Our Director of Programs, Jill DiCuffa, creates leadership opportunities for students to succeed on any path they choose for their futures.
Leadership Opportunity highlights:
– Interning with STEM-based companies
– Speaking on professional panels
– Partnering with local organizations
– Creating projects to solve problems
– Volunteering in the community
the Ann Richards School was built
“Since
and centered around Governor Richards, I feel a strong connection to her, like I can do anything here.”
– Adrielle M., 8th Grade