The “Pulitzer of Education Innovation” returns to reward transformational education providers embodying the STOP Principles
PROVIDENCE, RI — Standing at the flagship school of 2024 finalist Big Picture Learning, the Center for Education Reform (CER) today announced the official launch of the 2025 Yass Prize competition — offering $1 million to the education provider that most powerfully demonstrates Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education.
“As we enter the fifth year of the Yass Prize, we are more energized than ever,” said Janine Yass, who co-founded the prize with her husband Jeff in 2021. “With more states embracing ESAs, the demand for new, innovative schools has never been greater. We continue to be impressed by the quality of education providers waiting in the wings to start schools. Our goal is to empower organizations that give students not only education, but also dignity, value, and a sense of family. With CER’s national network and growing momentum, we aim to spark bold action among policymakers and philanthropists alike.”
Since its founding, the Yass Prize and STOP Awards Initiative have awarded over $50 million to more than 200 education innovators across sectors and approaches. Each year, the Yass Prize identifies STOP-enabled organizations to join a prestigious business accelerator. The 2025 cohort will convene at Academica’s Mater Brickell Academy in November, culminating in the winner’s announcement at CER’s Power of Innovation Summit this December.
“The Yass Prize is not just an award — it’s a movement,” said Jeanne Allen, founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform. “We are proud to partner in identifying and elevating the next generation of education changemakers. These innovators are proving what’s possible when we put students first and remove barriers to bold, transformative ideas.”
Applications for the 2025 Yass Prize are now open. Submissions are due by July 15, 2025. To apply and learn more, visit YassPrize.org.