MIDLAND The Young Women’s Leadership Academy recently held a ribbon cutting of its newly revamped outdoor learning space and greenhouse.
This comprehensive project transforms the area into a thriving educational hub dedicated to water conservation, native plant cultivation, and outdoor learning.
Key features of the revamped space include:
- Water conservation and Irrigation: The rehab of cisterns to capture rainwater, coupled with the renovation of the greenhouse into a functional classroom/lab, creates a sustainable ecosystem.
- Outdoor classroom and xeriscape lab: The addition of benches and the optimization of existing structures provides ample space for outdoor learning and hands-on exploration of native plants.
- Community engagement: The project fosters a sense of community through planned volunteer workdays involving students, families, Exxon employees, and members of the Southside Communities.
“We are excited to unveil this enhanced space that aligns perfectly with our educational goals,” said YWLA Principal Laura Doughty. “This project not only promotes environmental stewardship, but also creates a dynamic outdoor learning environment for our students. We are honored to inherit the space and continue the work of those who came before us at Booker T. Washington and grateful to ExxonMobil for having the vision and providing us the funding to help us build upon the work started by PTOs of the past.”
“We are thrilled to support the renovation of the YWLA Outdoor Education space,” said Keith Underwood, Midland Production Manager at ExxonMobil. “This project aligns with our commitment to fostering educational opportunities and environmental stewardship in our community. We believe that providing students with a dynamic and engaging outdoor learning environment will inspire the next generation of leaders and innovators. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this vision a reality.”
