News Summary
The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) has made history by winning the 2025 Building Hope IMPACT Award in the Community Engagement category. This recognition marks CGLA as the only Tennessee institution to receive this honor this year, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and community service. As a reward, they are eligible for significant grant funding to support student programs, further empowering young women of color in STEAM education. Under the leadership of Dr. Swafford, CGLA has seen impressive growth and academic achievements, cementing its role as a model for schools nationwide.
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Shines Bright with IMPACT Award Win!
Chattanooga, home to gorgeous mountains and lively communities, has something extra special to celebrate lately! The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Building Hope IMPACT Award in the Community Engagement category. That’s a big deal for this all-girls public charter school, marking their very first win of this significant accolade.
First-Time Winner
CGLA is not just basking in glory for the sake of it. This school was a semifinalist just last year, proving they are continually making strides to engage their community in meaningful and impactful ways. This year, the school stands out as the only institution in Tennessee to snag an IMPACT Award, showcasing the importance of their mission and values in education and community service.
What the IMPACT Award Represents
This award comes from Building Hope, a nationwide nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and nurturing charter schools across the United States. The aim here is to celebrate schools that showcase outstanding efforts in academics, innovation, student empowerment, and, of course, community engagement. CGLA clearly embodies these qualities, making them a shining beacon of hope in education.
Supporting Education with Funding
As an added bonus, CGLA is now eligible for up to $20,000 in unrestricted grant funding to be awarded at the upcoming IMPACT Summit scheduled for May. This financial boost is aimed at further supporting crucial programs at the school, including workplace mentoring opportunities and ACT preparation for students. These programs are pivotal in preparing students for their futures and giving them the skills they need to thrive.
A Focus on Learning and Growth
CGLA caters to grades 6 through 12 and offers a unique curriculum centered around STEAM—that’s science, technology, engineering, arts, and math! The school is proud of its predominantly BIPOC student body, with an impressive 95% of students identifying as part of this diverse community. It’s essential for CGLA to empower young women of color, giving them the tools and opportunities in STEM fields to ensure they are well-prepared for both college and future careers.
Historic Symbol of Change
It’s worth noting that CGLA is the first public school in Tennessee designed exclusively for young women. Since Dr. Swafford began leading the school in 2012, enrollment has skyrocketed from 170 to over 350 students, highlighting overwhelming interest in the school’s engaging and inclusive environment. Academic achievement has blossomed too, with the school bouncing back from the state’s closure list to ranking in the top 5% of performance, all within a remarkable nine months.
Experiential Learning at Its Finest
One of CGLA’s standout features is its integration of real-world experiences into learning. The campus hosts a medical clinic and offers monthly opportunities for students to be placed at local businesses for mentorship, blending academics with real-life applications—a golden chance for students gearing up for their futures.
CGLA: A Role Model for Others
With applications pouring in from schools across 38 states, D.C., and even Puerto Rico, it’s clear that CGLA sets a benchmark for success in education. The vision here is clear: empowering young women of color by providing them with abundant opportunities and ensuring their readiness for whatever comes next.
So, congratulations to the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy on this fabulous achievement! It’s a win for the school, the community, and above all, the bright and talented young women who are shaping the future.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Wins National IMPACT Award
New Charter Schools for At-Risk Youth in Tennessee
Chattanooga Addresses Tennessee’s Foster Care Crisis
Chattanooga Community Mourns a Beloved Educator
Chattanooga Schools Honor Legacy of Beloved Community Leaders
Additional Resources
- WDEF: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Wins National Impact Award
- Local 3 News: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Wins National Award
- News Channel 9: CGLA Earns Top TVAAS Honors
- Times Free Press: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Montessori
- Chattanoogan: Chattanooga Day Of The Girl Celebration
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Google Search: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Google Scholar: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Google News: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
