Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

What Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women does

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW) is a nonprofit public charter school founded in 2009 and located at 128 W. Franklin St., Baltimore, MD 21201. It is the first 6th-12th grade public charter school in Baltimore and serves 470+ young women across grades 6 through 12, admitted via the Lotterease electronic lottery system with no academic entrance criteria. The school operates as an affiliate of the Student Leadership Network (SLN), founded by Ann Tisch in 1996, and is supported by the Foundation for the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (501(c)(3), Tax ID 26-2221540), which manages philanthropic fundraising.

The school's product surface is a unified college preparatory curriculum built on Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards, integrating a weekly science and math lab STEAM program, honors and AP coursework, a CTE Computer Science certification pathway, sequential leadership seminars, and culminating 8th-grade Action Research Projects and Senior Capstone defenses. Its signature 'Destination College' program and 'Whole Girl Wellness' trauma-informed initiative distinguish it from peers, with reported outcomes of 100% college acceptance for nine consecutive graduating classes (since the Founding Class of 2016) and a 78% fall-enrollment rate, compared to 22% for African American students in Baltimore City Public Schools.

The business model is a hybrid of recurring government revenue and episodic philanthropy. Primary funding is per-pupil allocations from Baltimore City Schools supplemented by federal Title I Targeted Assistance funding for an at-risk student body. Secondary revenue flows through individual donations (monthly giving, stock, QCDs, DAFs, employer matching), corporate sponsorships, and the annual 12th (Em)Power Breakfast fundraising event, which in 2026 is supported by Mercy Medical Center, Whiting-Turner, Baltimore Ravens, BGE, CareFirst, MedStar, Venable, Kennedy Krieger, and other regional corporate partners. As a public charter, BLSYW charges no tuition.

Name

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

Legal name

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women

Website

https://blsyw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women is a nonprofit public charter school in Baltimore serving 470+ girls in grades 6-12 with a college-preparatory STEAM, leadership, and trauma-informed wellness curriculum, affiliated with the Student Leadership Network and funded by per-pupil allocations plus philanthropy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

K-12 Charter School Education

NAICS

Elementary and Secondary Schools (6111), Elementary and Secondary Schools (611110)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Public High Schools (EDAJAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Leadership, Character Education & Values Development (EDAMAIAG)

Keywords

• Charter school education
• College preparatory education
• STEM education programs
• Girls leadership development
• K-12 public education

Headquarters

HQ city

Baltimore

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Others

Revenue model

1. Per-Pupil Funding (Government/Charter Funding): As a public charter school, BLSYW receives per-pupil funding from government sources tied to enrollment. The school also operates as a Title I Targeted Assistance school, qualifying for additional federal Title I funding.
2. Donations and Philanthropic Contributions: The school accepts donations through an online giving platform, monthly giving program, gifts of stock/securities, Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs, Donor Advised Funds, and employer matching gift programs. The Foundation for the Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women is a 501c3 organization (Tax ID: 26-2221540).
3. Event Sponsorships ((Em)Power Breakfast): The school generates revenue through its annual (Em)Power Breakfast signature event, with corporate sponsors at various tiers (Excel, Empower, Educate, Embrace, Encourage levels). Proceeds directly benefit BLSYW programs and students.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women (BLSYW) is an all-girls public charter school that delivers tuition-free college preparatory education to young women in grades 6 through 12 in Baltimore City. The school integrates a rigorous academic curriculum aligned with Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards with specialized programs including the Destination College Program, STEAM education with a CTE Computer Science pathway, sequential leadership development, and the Whole Girl Wellness trauma-informed support initiative. Since the Founding Class of 2016, 100% of graduates have been accepted to college, with 78% enrolling the fall after graduation.

Product overview

Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women is a public charter school offering a unified college preparatory educational program for young women in grades 6-12. The school integrates a rigorous academic curriculum with specialized programs including the Destination College Program for college readiness, STEAM education with CTE Computer Science pathway, and the Whole Girl Wellness trauma-informed approach. The academic program spans Middle School (grades 6-8) and Upper School (grades 9-12), with sequential leadership development courses, honors and AP coursework, and culminating projects (Action Research Project for 8th graders, Senior Capstone). Key modules include Summer Enrichment packets and Saturday Academy for additional academic support.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• College Preparatory Education (Middle School, Grades 6-8) Rigorous middle school curriculum (grades 6-8) aligned with Maryland College and Career Readiness Standards, featuring STEM focus, leadership development, weekly science and math labs, and the 8th-grade Action Research Project. Designed for Baltimore City young women entering grades 6-8 seeking college preparatory education in an all-girls environment.
• College Preparatory Education (Upper School, Grades 9-12) High school curriculum (grades 9-12) with college preparatory coursework including honors and AP-level classes, physics for all 9th graders, the CTE Computer Science pathway, and Spanish language courses through level III. Culminates in the Senior Capstone Project. Designed for BLSYW upper school students.
• Destination College Program Comprehensive college access program that has achieved 100% college acceptance since the Founding Class of 2016, providing guidance through college applications, enrollment, and post-secondary planning. 78% of graduates enroll in college the fall after graduation. Targeted at BLSYW students and families.
• STEAM Education Program Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics program with weekly science labs, math labs, physics for all 9th graders, and the CTE Computer Science certification pathway. Available to all BLSYW students in grades 6-12.
• Leadership Development Curriculum Sequential leadership curriculum for middle school students (Leadership Seminar I and II) focusing on self-exploration, community building, and action projects, with emphasis on oral and written communication. Available to BLSYW middle school students.
• Whole Girl Wellness Initiative Trauma-informed approach supporting students' social-emotional development through restorative practices, SEL training, wellness teams, and partnerships with community organizations addressing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Available to all BLSYW students.
• Saturday Academy Extended learning program providing additional practice in literacy and mathematics for Title I eligible students at BLSYW.
• Summer Enrichment Program Summer packets designed to help BLSYW students maintain academic skills during breaks, with activities in reading, writing, and math for grades 6-12.
• (Em)Power Breakfast Signature Event Annual signature fundraising and community engagement event featuring corporate sponsorship tiers (Excel, Empower, Educate, Embrace, Encourage levels) that celebrates students and honorees. Proceeds directly benefit BLSYW programs and students. Targeted at corporate sponsors and individual donors.

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% college acceptance rate for 9 consecutive graduating classes (since 2016)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Mercy Medical CentercoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMercy Medical Center is a sponsor of the 12th annual (Em)Power Breakfast event at the Empower level, supporting BLSYW's mission to prepare young women for college and leadership.
• Harkins Builders, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerHarkins Builders is a sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast at the Embrace level, supporting BLSYW's fundraising and community engagement initiatives.
• Gallagher Evelius & Jones LLPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerGallagher Evelius & Jones LLP is a sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast at the Embrace level, supporting BLSYW through corporate sponsorship.
• Atlas Restaurant GroupcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAtlas Restaurant Group sponsors the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast at the Embrace level, contributing to BLSYW's annual fundraising efforts.
• BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerBGE is a sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast at the Embrace level, supporting BLSYW's community and educational initiatives.
• Brightview Senior LivingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBrightview Senior Living is a sponsor at the Embrace level for the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast event.
• Kennedy Krieger InstitutecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerKennedy Krieger Institute is an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast and is represented on the Board of Trustees (Linda Cameron, VP of Philanthropy).
• Baltimore RavenscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBaltimore Ravens are an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, supporting BLSYW's mission through corporate sponsorship.
• Venable LLPcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerVenable LLP is an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, supporting BLSYW's fundraising efforts.
• The Whiting-Turner Contracting CompanycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerWhiting-Turner is both an Excel-level individual sponsor and an Embrace-level corporate sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, demonstrating deep commitment to BLSYW.
• Ascension Saint Agnes HospitalcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerAscension Saint Agnes Hospital is an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, supporting BLSYW's educational mission.
• CareFirst BlueCross BlueShieldcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, supporting BLSYW through corporate sponsorship.
• MedStar Health, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerMedStar Health is an Embrace-level sponsor of the 2026 (Em)Power Breakfast, contributing to BLSYW's fundraising initiatives.
• Student Leadership Network (SLN)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBLSYW is a proud affiliate of the Student Leadership Network (SLN) founded by Ann Tisch in 1996. SLN is committed to giving urban students choices and opportunities for first-rate education and a path away from cycles of poverty. SLN partners with urban public school systems and charter school operators to create single-gender public schools and college-access programs.
• iMentorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartneriMentor provides mentoring services to BLSYW students as part of the Whole Girl Wellness initiative. A dedicated iMentor coordinator (Ms. Latoia Tyler) is listed on staff. iMentor connects students with mentors to support college and career readiness.
• Planned ParenthoodminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPlanned Parenthood is a partner within the Whole Girl Wellness initiative, providing health education resources and support to BLSYW students.
• Bikram YogaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBikram Yoga partners with BLSYW as part of the Whole Girl Wellness initiative, contributing wellness programming and yoga instruction to support students' physical and mental health.
• Roberta's HouseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRoberta's House is a grief support organization that partners with BLSYW as part of the Whole Girl Wellness initiative to provide emotional support services to students.
• Enoch Pratt Free LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerEnoch Pratt Free Library partners with BLSYW as part of the Whole Girl Wellness initiative, providing literacy and educational resources to students.
• The Sanctuary CollectiveminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Sanctuary Collective partners with BLSYW as part of the Whole Girl Wellness initiative, providing trauma-informed support and restorative practices training.
• Erin TalkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerErin Talk is a partner within the Whole Girl Wellness initiative, providing communication and social-emotional learning support to BLSYW students.
• Corporate Employer Volunteer PartnersminorOthersBLSYW promotes employee volunteer programs where companies encourage employees to volunteer with the school through event planning, mentoring, and community outreach. Contact is encouraged for volunteer opportunities.
• Johns Hopkins University & Johns Hopkins MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaria Tildon, Vice President of Government, Community & Economic Partnerships for Johns Hopkins University & Johns Hopkins Medicine, serves as Chair of the BLSYW Board of Trustees, providing institutional leadership and strategic guidance.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Green Street Academy: Baltimore-area public charter school serving grades 6–12 with a college-prep focus and career/STEM pathways; comparable in grade span, charter model, and student demographics.
• KIPP Baltimore: Baltimore-based public charter school network serving grades K–12 with a college-preparatory mission and Title I student population; directly comparable in operating model and demographics.
• The Young Women's Leadership Schools (TYWLS): Network of all-girls public secondary schools affiliated with Student Leadership Network, sharing the same parent network, single-gender college-prep model, and Whole Girl/college-access framework as BLSYW.

Broad incumbents

• Roland Park Country School: Baltimore-area independent all-girls K–12 college preparatory school; comparable in all-girls, college-prep market positioning but operates on a tuition-based, well-resourced model.
• Baltimore City Public Schools: The traditional public school district serving the same Baltimore City student population that BLSYW recruits from; a relevant comparator for outcomes, funding, and policy exposure.
• Notre Dame Preparatory School: Catholic, all-girls college preparatory school in the Baltimore region serving grades 6–12; directly comparable in grade band and single-gender college-prep mission.
• Bryn Mawr School: Independent all-girls college preparatory school in Baltimore serving grades K–12; relevant comparator for the all-girls college-prep positioning, though tuition-based rather than charter-funded.
• Maryvale Preparatory School: Independent Catholic all-girls school serving grades 6–12 near Baltimore with a college-preparatory curriculum; a comparable single-gender, college-prep peer in the broader Baltimore market.

Regional players

• Baltimore International Academy: Baltimore City public charter school serving a similar grade band with a specialized curriculum focus; relevant for benchmarking enrollment lottery dynamics and Title I operations.
• ConneXions Academy: Baltimore City public charter school focused on college preparation for an underserved student population; comparable in mission, governance, and per-pupil funding model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/blsywgirls
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@blsywmd
• Facebookfacebook.com/BLSYW
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/blsyw-baltimore-leadership-school-for-young-women/mycompany/?viewAsMember=true
• Instagraminstagram.com/blsywgirls

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women