A letter from Diana Diaz-Harrison, Founder of Arizona Autism Charter Schools and the $1 million Yass Prize Winner
To my fellow education entrepreneurs,
I write to you today to encourage you to make it to the finish line and submit your Yass Prize application! I can assure you that the four hours or so you may spend on this application, will be by far, the most transformative experience you will have as a leader in the education space. It certainly has been for me.
When I applied at this time last year, I was as busy as ever with my kids home for the summer. I was also adding a fourth campus to our growing charter network, Arizona Autism Charter Schools. It was hard to make the time when I had so much on my plate, and I thought winning would be a long shot. I have such a niche program serving neurodiverse students and I wasn’t sure if Arizona Autism would resonate with the judges.
I’m grateful I didn’t let my fears and insecurities stop me. The Yass Prize is truly about Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless education for ALL students.
The Yass Prize is so much more than a grant. It is an invitation to learn and engage with the most brilliant minds in the education reform movement. By submitting your application, you automatically become a winner by getting access to the three-week virtual accelerator where you will learn from Yass Prize alums, venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and fellow education disruptors.You will connect to others across the nation redefining education through groundbreaking ideas and initiatives. For me, this was an intense and powerful experience that affirmed my work and reenergized my passion for what I do.
While I was exceedingly fortunate to be selected as the 2022 $1 million Yass Prize winner, I won the moment I hit submit. The impact the Yass Prize has had on my students, my community and on me as a leader is priceless beyond measure.
Now the Yass Prize community wants to learn about you! I encourage you to make the finishing touches on your application, take that bold step, and hit submit! You won’t regret it.
With gratitude,
Diana Diaz-Harrison
Founder and Executive Director
Arizona Autism Charter Schools