The Most Powerful Network in Education Innovation.

The Yass Prize is widely regarded as the “Pulitzer for Education Innovation,” devoted to identifying and elevating the next generation of education changemakers. In addition to transformational financial support, selected cohort members participate in the Yass Prize Accelerator bootcamp designed to sharpen their business plans with guidance from some of the best, boldest, and brightest leaders in business, education innovation, policy, and beyond. But accelerator members are not just learning – they are joining an exclusive, high-impact community. The relationships formed in the room push cohort members to new heights, fostering collaboration, mentorship, and a lasting network that fuels their growth for years to come.

Cohort members selected for the Yass Prize Accelerator will…

Vie for the $1 million Yass Prize

Vie for the $1 million Yass Prize that will be awarded to the education provider that most powerfully demonstrates Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless (STOP) education.

Learn from the best...

Learn from the best, the boldest, and the brightest of business, education innovation, policy, and more with intimate access to powerful speakers to more deeply understand the intersection between education, business, and sustainability.

Receive personalized feedback...

Receive personalized feedback during curated sessions with communication experts to hone your pitch and learn how to best tell their venture’s story.

Prepare to deliver...

Prepare to deliver a three minute pitch to vie for prestige and a few other surprises!

Join a powerful, lifelong network...

Join a powerful, lifelong network of education and business leaders who will inspire, challenge, and support your growth long after the accelerator ends. By working alongside a diverse group of education leaders, you will tackle pressing issues in the sector, allowing you to co-create solutions that will have a lasting impact on education and communities.

Gain Exclusive Access to...

Gain Exclusive Access to the Center for Education Reform’s team, who are pioneers in advocating for educational freedom and innovation for the past three decades. This is a unique opportunity to tap into their vast network and future programming, ensuring that your venture is part of the movement that is transforming education for the better for years to come.

Amplify Your Visibility...

Amplify Your Visibility and Influence, by showcasing your venture to a wider audience, including potential investors, partners, and influencers in the education sector, increasing your visibility and opportunities for collaboration.

Don’t miss your chance to learn alongside the best education innovators in the country!

Being part of this accelerator means you’re not just learning – you’re joining an exclusive, high-impact community. The relationships formed in this room will push you to new heights, offering collaboration opportunities, mentorship, and a lasting network that fuels your growth for years to come.

In Their Own Words

“Every session, every connection here at the Yass Prize Accelerator reinforces that the future belongs to the courageous. We’re leading with conviction and heart. Grateful to be surrounded by innovators who are shaping the next frontier of education. The best is yet to come.”

— Rodney Lynk, Jr., CEO, Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (2025 Yass Prize Semifinalist)

“What The Center for Education Reform and The Yass Prize is doing in helping to foster and fund these great edtech leaders and mission-oriented founders of these amazing schools is truly awesome. The Yass Prize is changing lives and communities.”

— Mike Carter, Founder & Advisor, BizEquity (Yass Prize Accelerator guest speaker)

“This past week in Miami felt like the celebration of a decade of work. It was a meaningful time of networking, collaborating, and sharing (our) story with people who dream boldly and push boundaries for the sake of students and families.”

— Tiffany Thenor, CEO, WonderHere (2025 Yass Prize Finalist)

“The fellowship we shared those few days reminded me why this work matters. These weren’t polished corporate presentations. These are people with scars and stories, building something real. We understand that sometimes the ones who’ve been through hell are the ones who should be building the way out. This is where the actual revolution is happening.”

— Cris Gulacy-Worrel, VP, Oakmont Education (2022 Yass Prize Finalist)

“Homeschool coalitions, public schools, charter school, microschools, and Ed tech firms all together with one goal of improving education in America. You have set a precedent with this incredible melting pot. Thank you for this amazing accelerator!”

— Kenisha Skaggs, Founder of SOAR Academy in Georgia (2022 Yass Prize Finalist)

“Just arrived at the ⁦accelerator and the energy in the room is like the first day of college. So much excitement at meeting new people and the chance to expand our minds!”