August 10, 2017

Washington, D.C. — The Board of Trustees of the Washington School for Girls (WSG) was recently recognized by the Center for Nonprofit Advancement as the 2017 winner of the Board Leadership Award. WSG will receive a $10,000 grant; communication exposure through print, radio, television and social media; and training and development opportunities for the board and CEO from BoardSource and through the Center’s Learning & Leadership Institute.

The WSG Board of Trustees prides itself on being exceptionally mission-driven in all aspects of governance, from board recruitment to financial planning. In particular, the selection committee recognized WSG for its effective governance structure, its financial prudence, and its mission-focused recruitment. “I am thrilled to be joining the team at WSG,” said incoming President Dr. Beth Reaves. “The work of the WSG Board of Trustees ensures that the school can continue to fulfill its mission of serving girls in the Washington DC area in the future. It is affirming to know that as I succeed an extraordinary founding President, I can count on the partnership of an outstanding Board in the years to come.”

“High performing Boards can make the difference for operations, outcomes and the overall sustainability of nonprofits,” said Center CEO Glen O’Gilvie. “Our competition identifies organizations exhibiting good governance and innovative practices that can be shared, influencing a stronger nonprofit sector.  We are motivated by the dynamic leadership of our 2017 nominees and proud to acknowledge the Washington School for Girls as a 2017 winner.”

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement, in partnership with CohnReznick LLP with educational support from BoardSource, launched the Board Leadership Award in 2011 to recognize and spotlight outstanding leadership from Boards of Directors of Washington-area nonprofit organizations. The award recognizes the role that boards play in building and sustaining successful organizations—assuring that they are well led, well supported and responsive to the people and communities they serve.

Finalists were selected through a three-step judging process including a comprehensive nomination form; in person interview with board members and the executive director; and a site visit attended by board members, the executive director and representatives from the community served.

The award Selection Committee, made up of distinguished members of the business, philanthropic and nonprofit community, searched for examples of outstanding boards that have moved beyond recommended best practices to bring new levels of engagement and focus within the board that deliver results for the organization.

What began as an afterschool program for middle school girls in 1997 has grown over the past 18 years to encompass a full academic program on two campuses in Southeast Washington, D.C. WSG blends academic challenge with support for the social, emotional, and spiritual growth of each student by offering small classes, a rich extended day program, and a safe and caring environment for learning. The success of the program is evidenced by a 98% high school graduation rate, much higher than the neighborhood average of under 50%. A tuition-free independent Catholic school recognized by the Archdiocese of Washington, the WSG is funded entirely through private contributions and grants.

WSG is an independent, all girls, Catholic day school in Ward 8 serving grades 3-8 tuition-free. WSG is located on two campuses, one at the Town Hall Education Arts and Recreation Campus (THEARC) and one at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. To find out more about WSG’s programs, contact the school at 202-678-1113 or visit www.washingtonschoolforgirls.org.

The Center for Nonprofit Advancement strengthens the capacity of nonprofit organizations throughout Greater Washington, D.C. The Center directly partners with nearly 1,000 nonprofits (our members) helping them achieve their missions through training and technical assistance programs, networking, advocacy and group buying power. Learn more at www.nonprofitadvancement.org.