2022 Quarterfinalists

Awardees

Our exceptional awardees hail from 33 states and the District of Columbia as well as groups serving the entire nation. They include schools with one location and some with multiple, and represent 8 different kinds of education providers. Together they serve tens of thousands of students in transformational and outstanding ways.

A majority of the 2022 Yass Prize Quarterfinalists serve important and often overlooked populations and embrace the importance of education that is both sustainable and permissionless. They include some standout public and private educators specifically focused on competency-based education and personalized learning as well as leaders in the ed tech space who provide remarkable tools that can be integrated into any of the other full service models being celebrated for their STOP-enabled education.

Trends this year include apprenticeships, career prep for students, hybrid and blended learning models launched, tested and proven during COVID, numerous parent-led efforts restoring hope and optimism to BIPOC families and an explosion of groups serving neurodivergent learners. While they are diverse in nature and location, these educational entrepreneurs are high impact innovators inspiring students, families and the communities around them. They will make a catalyzing Yass Prize community and we welcome them.

Join us in celebrating their accomplishments and wishing them the best of luck in the continuing Yass Prize competition!

Everyone knows that without great education, our nation suffers.

Great education is a vital link for students to become successful citizens.

Janine Yass

Founder,

The Yass Prize

It might be the first time you’re speaking where everyone is actually listening and cares about what you’re doing.

I don’t think I’ve been in a room as supportive as the Yass Prize Semifinalist room in Miami.

Brian Curcio

Founder and CEO,

Rapunzl, 2022 Yass Prize Finalist

Being a part of the [Yass] family confirmed that what I'm doing is right,

focusing on what we know is important for kids really works, and having a network of people now that also agree was super huge.

Kenisha Scaggs

Founder,

SOAR Academy

Believe in your mission… Ground yourself… Never give up…

Sal Khan

Founder,

Khan Academy

Being a part of the [Yass] family confirmed that what I'm doing is right,

going against the common core and focusing on what we know is important for kids really works, and having a network of people now that also agree was super huge.

Kenisha Skaggs

Founder,

SOAR Academy

Having the status of Yass Prize Semifinalist has opened doors that we’ve been knocking on for years,

including public recognition from our Governor and partnership conversations with other education innovators from around the country.

Matthew Chaussee

Founder & CEO,

CareerViewXR & BeMoreColorful

The Yass Prize has brought together such diverse leaders

from all different demographics, all different states, all different service provider types that you can learn from.

Taylor Shead

Founder and CEO,

STEMuli Studios

There is absolutely zero downside to being a part of this network by submitting your application and what you will encounter is unlike any other grant.

It's actually mind blowing. I really see myself as an education entrepreneur, but this expanded me.

Diana Diaz-Harrison

Founder,

Arizona Autism Charter Schools

Our newest endeavor – that was part of our Yass Prize initiative – we're bringing career and technical education into the school

I'm in the process of going through the construction of a 20,000 square foot $11.5 million dollar building dedicated to career and technical education for the students in the Philadelphia region.

Brian Patrick King

President,

Father Judge High School, 2022 Yass Prize Semifinalist

I’m dreaming bigger, bolder, and more bodacious [because of the Yass Prize].

It has helped me raise the ceiling on what’s possible.

Keith Brooks

Founder/CEO,

National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators (NFBLME)

The foundation of any society is a good education.

Jeff Yass

Founder,

The Yass Prize

The Yass Prize process has created an awareness of the education freedom movement within churches and communities.

It's given us an opportunity to start critical discussions with our congregations, parents, community leaders and members, about the laws that govern education in Pennsylvania.

Pastor Joshua Robertson

Founder & Executive Director,

Black Pastors United for Education

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2022 Quarterfinalists

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