Arizona Autism Charter Schools win $1 million national Yass Prize
Arizona Autism Charter Schools, the only public charter schools for students with autism in Arizona and the first charter in the West dedicated to serving neuro-divergent learners, has been named America’s most innovative and effective educational organization winning the $1 million Yass Prize, education’s largest and most prestigious award.
The prize recognizes Arizona Autism’s efforts to expand its unique individualized learning programs, which are rated exemplary by Arizona, and supports the creation of a national accelerator for Autism-focused charter schools, which will enable similar schools to be established in every state.
“We are so honored to receive the $1 million YASS prize among many high-quality and inspirational programs from across the nation,” said AZACS founder and executive director, Diana Diaz-Harrison. “This funding will allow us to expand our reach and help more children on the autism spectrum across Arizona and the United States. As an Autism Mom, I don’t want my kid to be seen as disabled. I want him to be seen as a doer, intelligent and productive. These charter schools we are starting across America will help our children be neuro-diverse, be who they are and be fulfilled, productive citizens.”