[5][citation needed] YWLCS opened its doors in August 2000, as part of an effort to provide better education for disadvantaged young women on the South Side of Chicago.
The charter school focuses on teaching math, science and technology - in response to statistics showing women are underrepresented in these fields.
The YWLCS runs from ninth through grade twelve;[6] providing a single sex education meant to ameliorate gender inequities in the classroom.
First located on the Illinois Institute of Technology campus, YWLCS has since moved into its own building nearby.
Their first class graduated in June 2004; media personality Oprah Winfrey was the guest speaker.