in innovators who are doing this type of transformational work, so that others can learn from it and replicate it, so that you can actually grow yourselves.
Awardees
Awardees
Meet the 2025 Yass Prize Contenders!
Live from Forbes on Fifth in New York City, the Yass Prize contenders were revealed in a special livestream event. After two rounds of rigorous evaluation by more than 500 judges, these contenders will now have the opportunity to pitch at the Miami Accelerator, making the case for why they should receive the $1 million Yass Prize to expand their impact and ensure that more students gain access to the 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 providers 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!
One of the missions of the Yass Prize and the Yass Prize movement is really surfacing best practices in innovation—
Jeff Imrich
Co-Founder,
Rock by Rock
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
The Yass Prize is centered around ensuring that this [program] provides you a stepping stone...
We don’t want you to rinse, wash, repeat. We want you to build and sustain.
Jeanne Allen
Founder & CEO, Center for Education Reform ,
Director, Yass Foundation for Education
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
Being a part of the [Yass] family confirmed that what I'm doing is right,
going against the common core and 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 Skaggs
Founder,
SOAR Academy
The Yass Award is about celebrating and rewarding those who make students the priority.”
Kevin Stitt
Governor,
Oklahoma
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
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
I’m dreaming bigger, bolder, and more bodacious [because of the Yass Prize].
It has helped me raise the ceiling on what’s possible.
Keith Brooks
Founder/CEO,
National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators (NFBLME)
The Yass Prize is truly changing the landscape of education options across the nation,
and I couldn't be more grateful for what it's done for us, and helping us serve more students and families.
Diana Diaz-Harrison
Founder,
Arizona Autism Charter Schools
Believe in your mission… Ground yourself… Never give up…
Sal Khan
Founder,
Khan Academy
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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