Austin ISD broke ground Feb. 22 on the $70 million voter-approved 2017 bond project for The Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders in South Austin. This project is the first phase of a strategic modernization plan to create a state-of-the-art campus at the current site.

Once complete the new facility will serve more than 1,000 students, enhancing academic programming including Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, also known as STEM. The project will also include new athletic fields and additional parking and a technology upgrades.

The existing Ann Richards School facility will remain on site during construction.

The opening of the new school is planned for August 2021.

The Ann Richards School was founded in 2007 and started with welcoming sixth and seventh grade students and added one grade level each year, eventually serving students up to their high school graduation. The school has launched a curriculum which empowers young women leaders in STEM.

The vision for the school is to make sure every single young woman with economically disadvantage backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue a college education and career. The mission of the school is to make sure that students attend and graduate college. Wellness and Leadership are important, making sure the students become successful leaders and make healthy choices.