we have to find academic experiences that represent neuro-divergent learners, kids who want to learn about gaming, who want to do stuff online, who dropped out of school.
Awardees
Awardees
Meet the 2024 Semifinalists
After three rounds of rigorous judging and over 850 judges weighing in, we are happy o introduce the new cohort of Yass Prize Semifinalists. Each receive a minimum of $200,000 to grow and expand in ways that will allow more students to receive the type of education they deserve.
School needs to look different, and this new cohort is the single best example of the diversity of excellence and transformational innovation our country has to offer. These schools and organizations are a testament to the positive direction that pre-K to 12 education is headed in as we embark on a new school year. Congratulations, all!
Yass brought us together, creating opportunities to create an educational universe within which we can look at education differently…
Dr. Steve Perry
Head of Schools,
Capital Preparatory Schools
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
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
The Yass Award is about celebrating and rewarding those who make students the priority.”
Kevin Stitt
Governor,
Oklahoma
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
Education is one of the most fundamental pillars for democratizing opportunities for success that we have in our society.
It’s thanks to organizations like the Yass Prize that our children are going to have a better tomorrow.
Francis X. Suarez
Mayor,
City of Miami
The Yass Prize has significantly impacted the trajectory of our organization.
When we originally applied, we simply provided supplemental support services to homeschooling families. Now, we are growing into an education network that provides community, coaching, and curriculum nationwide.
Brenaea Fairchild
Executive Director,
Melanin Village
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
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
The foundation of any society is a good education.
Jeff Yass
Founder,
The Yass Prize
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
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
Connect with us
Stay informed about our latest news and sign up for our emails below! For questions or comments, use the Contact Us box. We’ll be in touch!