It has helped me raise the ceiling on what’s possible.
Awardees
Awardees
The 2026 Semifinalists
17 Bold Models. One Shared Purpose.
From a Lakota-language school on the Rosebud Reservation to a maritime academy on Florida’s Gulf Coast; from schools built for boys, girls, students with dyslexia and Deaf children to new pathways into healthcare, entrepreneurship and the skilled trades — the 2026 Yass Prize semifinalists defy any single definition of what school should look like. What connects them is deeply local problem-solving: each began with a need that was not being met, then built something different around the children, families and communities they serve. Together, they show the extraordinary range of what becomes possible when visionaries summon the courage to lead — and are free to create. It is our privilege to recognize them with STOP Awards for their efforts toward Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education. Click on each below to learn more!
$150,000 STOP AWARD
$100,000 STOP AWARD
$50,000 STOP AWARD
I’m dreaming bigger, bolder, and more bodacious [because of the Yass Prize].
Keith Brooks
Founder/CEO,
National Fellowship for Black and Latino Male Educators (NFBLME)
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
The Yass Prize process has created an awareness of the education freedom movement within churches and communities.
It's given us an opportunity to start critical discussions with our congregations, parents, community leaders and members, about the laws that govern education in Pennsylvania.
Pastor Joshua Robertson
Founder & Executive Director,
Black Pastors United for Education
Believe in your mission… Ground yourself… Never give up…
Sal Khan
Founder,
Khan Academy
There is absolutely zero downside to being a part of this network by submitting your application and what you will encounter is unlike any other grant.
It's actually mind blowing. I really see myself as an education entrepreneur, but this expanded me.
Diana Diaz-Harrison
Founder,
Arizona Autism Charter Schools
Yass brought us together, creating opportunities to create an educational universe within which we can look at education differently…
we have to find academic experiences that represent neuro-divergent learners, kids who want to learn about gaming, who want to do stuff online, who dropped out of school.
Dr. Steve Perry
Head of Schools,
Capital Preparatory Schools
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
The foundation of any society is a good education.
Jeff Yass
Founder,
The Yass Prize
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
I'm a Yass Prize finalist from last year.
And through that, we were able to open up our second campus in the city of Wichita.
Wade Moore
Founder & Dean,
Urban Preparatory Academy
The Yass Award is about celebrating and rewarding those who make students the priority.”
Kevin Stitt
Governor,
Oklahoma
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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