and I couldn't be more grateful for what it's done for us, and helping us serve more students and families.
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!
The Yass Prize is truly changing the landscape of education options across the nation,
Diana Diaz-Harrison
Founder,
Arizona Autism Charter Schools
Yass brought us together, creating opportunities to create an educational universe within which we can look at education differently…
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.
Dr. Steve Perry
Head of Schools,
Capital Preparatory Schools
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
I'm a Yass Prize finalist from last year.
And through that, we were able to open up our second campus in the city of Wichita.
Wade Moore
Founder & Dean,
Urban Preparatory Academy
We have a tremendously transformative model that could stand for a little disruption.
The Yass experience has given us “permission” to do exactly that.
Kelby Woodard
President & CEO,
Cristo Rey Network
We used the Yass Prize to launch a program called Skypod catalyst, which is essentially an accelerator to help other people start microschools.
We believe very much that microschools should be bottoms up, they come from the community. They're founded by educators who know their community really well. And they want to design a learning environment for the kids in that community.
Amar Kumar
Founder and CEO,
KaiPod Learning, 2022 Yass Prize Seminfinalist
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
In a state where alternative education is often overlooked, the Yass community helps us shine.
The Yass Prize has empowered our youth, families and community by bringing great visibility to our efforts.
Dr. LeDonna Griffin
Founder & Executive Director,
Leaders to Legends
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
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
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
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