Chattanooga, October 15, 2025
News Summary
The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy has opened its new Student Activity Center aimed at enhancing student engagement in STEAM and athletics. The facility, built from an old warehouse, includes unique features like an indoor soccer space, a dedicated area for the robotics team, and is available for community rental. This expansion signifies a commitment to modern educational needs, empowering students in both academic and athletic pursuits.
Chattanooga Marks Launch of New Student Activity Center at CGLA
The Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) has officially opened its new Student Activity Center, designed to enhance student engagement in both STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) and athletics. This facility represents a significant upgrade, having been built from the ground up on the site of an old, dilapidated warehouse.
The new center adds to CGLA’s extensive campus, which now spans over 166,000 square feet across five to six blocks. This expansion not only improves the physical infrastructure of the school but also enriches educational resources available to students.
Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of CGLA, emphasized the positive impact this center will have on students. The facility includes dedicated areas for various programs, including an indoor space for the school’s soccer team and a well-organized area for the robotics team, which signifies a proactive approach to modern educational needs.
Cristol Kapp, the robotics coach, indicated that the center’s improved organization and ample space will substantially enhance the robotics program, allowing for greater innovation and participation among students. The center’s design aims to support CGLA’s commitment to offering a robust STEAM curriculum, aligning with the school’s overall mission to foster student leadership and success.
In addition to serving the school’s programs, the Student Activity Center will function as a multi-use facility, available for community rental. This aspect not only benefits the academy but also the larger Chattanooga community, promoting outreach and collaboration.
Notably, the center is recognized as the only indoor soccer facility of its kind in Chattanooga, which opens new doors for sports and educational opportunities for students. It is believed that this addition will empower students, enabling them to grow in ways that were not previously possible.
Facility Features and Significance
- Indoor Soccer Facility: The only one in Chattanooga, promoting athletics.
- Robotics Team Area: Designed for better organization and innovation.
- STEAM Programs: Supports the mission of the school in aligning education with modern STEM needs.
- Community Access: Multi-use facility available for rental by the surrounding community.
- Size: Expands campus to over 166,000 square feet.
- Campus Location: Spans across five to six blocks, enhancing the school’s resources and infrastructure.
Context and Implications
The opening of the Student Activity Center at CGLA symbolizes a broader trend in education, where emphasis on STEAM and physical activity is becoming increasingly recognized as vital for student development. By providing modern facilities and access to updated resources, CGLA is taking significant strides towards equipping its students with the tools necessary to thrive in both academic and athletic pursuits.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Facility Type | Indoor Student Activity Center |
| Key Programs | STEAM and Athletics |
| Robotics Area | Designated space for robotics team |
| Soccer Facilities | Indoor soccer space for enhanced training |
| Total Size | 166,000 square feet |
| Community Integration | Available for community rental |
FAQ
What is the purpose of the new Student Activity Center at CGLA?
The Student Activity Center aims to enhance student engagement in STEAM and athletics.
How large is the CGLA campus?
The campus now occupies over 166,000 square feet across five or six blocks.
What facilities are included in the Student Activity Center?
The center includes an indoor space for the school’s soccer team and a dedicated area for the robotics team.
Can the Student Activity Center be rented by the community?
Yes, the center is designed to be a multi-use facility available for community rental.
What is significant about the indoor soccer facility?
It is noted as the only indoor soccer facility of its kind in Chattanooga, enhancing sports and educational opportunities.
How will the Student Activity Center impact students?
The center empowers students to grow in diverse ways not previously available.
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Additional Resources
- WDEF: What’s Right With Our Schools – CGLA Activity Building
- Wikipedia: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Times Free Press: CGLA Unveils New Student Activity Center
- Google Search: Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy
- Chattanoogan: CGLA Celebrates The Grand Opening Of
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM Education
- MaxPreps: Soccer Recap – CGLA Takes a Loss
- Google News: CGLA
- SmartBrief: Mission-Based Learning Increases Girls’ Interest in STEM
- Google Scholar: STEM Education


