Ann Richards School Foundation

What does success look like? At the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, success is measured by the extraordinary achievements of our Star graduates. Since 2013, our Star graduates from the Ann Richards School have earned over $168 million in merit-based scholarships, with 85% pursuing college degrees – far exceeding the national average of 62%. These young women are breaking barriers, achieving dreams, and shaping the future. But success doesn’t happen by chance. It happens because of supporters like you. https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD Today, 475 Star graduates are thriving in college, 397 have earned their degrees, 36 hold master’s degrees, and 3 have achieved their doctorates. Your gift helps ensure that their journeys continue. To make these milestones possible, the Ann Richards School Foundation provides essential support, including: • Guidance from our full-time Alumni Engagement Manager • A mentorship and networking program connecting alumni and current Star students • College persistence resources and emergency scholarships • Engagement opportunities that inspire leadership and lifelong learning Your gift today directly empowers the confident, curious, and hard-working students at the Ann Richards School. Your generosity helps our Star graduates not only persist but excel in their academic and professional journeys. You are investing in a generation of women who will change the world – one degree, one breakthrough, one leadership moment at a time. These young women are breaking barriers, achieving dreams, and shaping the future. Make your impact today. Together, we can honor the legacy of Governor Ann Richards and advance education for young women across Austin. Thank you for believing in the power of education and opportunity. With your help, the sky’s the limit for these remarkable young women. https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD

On Saturday, December 7, our Star faculty and students hosted aspiring Stars and their families at the Ann Richards School Showcase. Students from all over Austin learned more about the school, how to apply, and met with current Stars to hear about all the great programs they've experienced at the Ann Richards School. It was a great turnout and we are excited to see all the applications from potential students by February 4, 2025. #ARSpride https://lnkd.in/g8TQ3ahw

Our senior Stars were able to experience a unique STEM-filled day out at Circuit of The Americas back in October during the US Grand Prix thanks to Mission 44. Our Stars experienced firsthand the vital role STEM plays in motorsport – inspiring them to consider careers in motorsport and STEM. We are very appreciative to our partners this year with Mission 44, Circuit of The Americas, F1, Make It Center - Austin Community College, and Hot Wheels. #ARSpride

Ms. Blackburn’s 7th-grade students are expanding their coding skills this fall by creating and designing a virtual reality game to play with their classmates. Thanks to a grant from All Points North Foundation, all middle school students, like Ms. Blackburn’s 7th-grade students, work on a coding project through Hello World programming, increasing their skills by creating a project with different coding languages. The best part according to 7th grader Nataly C. is, “working with my classmates to make sure the code works to create a really cool looking design.” #arspride http://bit.ly/4fenHyk

Former Texas Governor Ann Richards had a bold vision: to empower young women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with the skills, confidence, and opportunities to achieve a college education and create a brighter future. Today, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders stands as a testament to her vision – one of the top public schools in the nation and a proud part of her enduring legacy. Your support is vital to continue Ann's legacy. https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD Your gift today is essential to fund the programs that give our students the tools they need to succeed – programs that extend far beyond the classroom and leave a lifelong impact. Thanks to your generosity, the Foundation will provide: • College-bound programming to prepare students for higher education. • STEM curriculum to equip our Stars for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math. • Teacher professional development to ensure students receive the highest quality education. • Alumni support to help our graduates thrive as they navigate college and beyond. These programs transform lives – empowering young women who love learning, are determined to succeed, and are committed to shaping a better future. Honor Governor Ann Richards’ legacy by donating today. Your partnership ensures that these critical programs continue to challenge and inspire our Stars. Thank you for believing in our mission and investing in the future of these young women. #ARSpride https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD

For our Stars, the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is THE opportunity for a life-changing educational journey. Together, with your partnership, we can provide crucial funding that directly impacts the education of our Star students. What does your gift mean to our Stars? https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD $25: Fuels creativity and teamwork in the MakerSpace: Your support provides materials for hands-on group projects, teaching our Stars the invaluable skill of "learning to fail" — embracing mistakes as stepping stones to success. $50: Powers STEM learning for a middle schooler: Your gift funds the curriculum that inspires innovation and exploration, helping our Stars discover their passions and build confidence in STEM fields. $100: Opens the door to higher education: Your generosity enables a middle school student to visit a college campus — sometimes the first step in a family’s journey toward higher education. With your help, our Stars dream big and achieve even bigger, often becoming the first in their families to attend and graduate from college. Thank you for helping us change lives — one Star at a time. https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD

On Monday, our junior Stars from the Class of 2026 celebrated receiving their letterman jacket during morning assembly. Our Star faculty presented the jackets during the ring of honor ceremony, showcasing the hard work our juniors put into completing their sophomore cornerstone project to earn the letterman jacket. Congratulations, Class of 2026! #ARSpride

At the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, opportunity comes alive in every project, every lesson, and every experience. We empower young women to prepare for college and a future of leading with passion and purpose. Together, we can continue to create transformative opportunities for generations to come. Give today to create life-changing opportunities like college bound programming, STEM curriculum, and hands on projects for our Star students. Thank you for investing in the next generation of leaders. #ARSpride https://lnkd.in/eW9XKU7

At Monday morning's all school assembly, our Stars recognized and celebrated newly elected Austin ISD Board Trustee for District 2 and Ann Richards School alum from the Class of 2013, LaRessa Quintana! Trustee Quintana shared with our current Stars that the bonds she formed while at ARS have been lifelong, and while she is the first elected official from ARS, she certainly will not be the last. We are incredibly proud to see and support Trustee Quintana living the mission statement of the school by going out and changing the world. Special thanks to Trustees Boswell, Gonzales, and Whitley Chu for joining us to celebrate our Star alum. Congratulations, Trustee Quintana! #ARSpride

Support Ann's Legacy on Giving Tuesday! Empower young women from across Austin as we continue the legacy of Governor Richards by supporting the confident, curious, and hard-working students at the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders, now and in the future. https://lnkd.in/gzp_Q7UD With your gift and partnership, the Ann Richards School Foundation supports: – College visits and advising – STEM curriculum and projects – Leadership opportunities – Mental health and wellness – Alumni support Donate today to empower the next generation of leaders. #ARSpride