The Frauen-Arbeitsschule (Women's Work School) in Munich was established in November 1873 by the Munich People's Education Association. It was based on the model of the first women's work school in Germany, the Reutlingen women's work school. The school was supported by the community by providing the school buildings free of charge. The school, in turn, trained female teachers, which in turn benefited the state. The administrative board was composed of members of the public education association, the city magistrate, the state government and the school director. The aim was to provide thorough theoretical and practical training in various branches of female handicrafts in order to produce capable workers for industry and home. It had four departments: hand sewing, embroidery, machine sewing and dress making.