January 25, 2019 — Midland ISD is excited to announce that Dr. Jennifer Seybert has been selected to be the first principal at Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

YWLA is a new college preparatory school designed in partnership with the Young Women’s Preparatory Network (http://youngwomensprep.org). Its STEM-focused curriculum initially will serve sixth- and seventh-grade students starting in the 2019-20 school year and will serve a student body through grade 12 in the future. Dr. Seybert has a deep passion for STEM education and the assets that science, technology, engineering and mathematics add to a student’s life. “Our community needs more students that are educated in the STEM fields, and I am thrilled to be chosen to lead YWLA and can’t wait to get started,” she said.

Dr. Seybert has worked in public education for 21 years. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science and an educational doctorate from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has worked as a math teacher and has had principalships at Washington STEM Academy and the University of Texas of the Permian Basin STEM Academy. Most recently, she served as principal at Abell Junior High and is an adjunct professor in the School of Education at UTPB.

“I am excited to use my STEM background and leadership experiences as we bring an innovative education to life within Midland ISD for the girls of YWLA,” Dr. Seybert said. “Our vision is to create a single-gender, college-preparatory, public school with a strong focus on leadership, college readiness, and health and wellness. Our students will graduate with the academic and leadership skills needed to achieve a high level of success in college and life.”

“Knowing that we have an under-represented gender in one of the most crucial fields for this generation, offering a STEM-focused college preparatory academy for young women will further meet the future needs that will be critical as Midland’s growth continues to accelerate,” Superintendent Orlando Riddick said. “With Dr. Seybert in her new leadership role, YWLA will be able answer the call.”

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Media Relations Contact:
Trevor Hawes
Communications Specialist
Office: 432-240-1044 | trevor.hawes@midlandisd.net