The Yass experience has given us “permission” to do exactly that.

I don’t think I’ve been in a room as supportive as the Yass Prize Semifinalist room in Miami.

The Yass Prize has empowered our youth, families and community by bringing great visibility to our efforts.

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.

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.

from all different demographics, all different states, all different service provider types that you can learn from.

including public recognition from our Governor and partnership conversations with other education innovators from around the country.

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.

The funding is not following children. We're trying to make better options for kids, for poor kids, middle class kids. Wealthy people have this choice, they opt out of their systems easily, why shouldn't all children have that choice?