The “Opportunity Knocks” scholarships will support 500 displaced students through high school graduation
PHILADELPHIA, Pa., May 13, 2026 — In response to the impending closure of 17 Philadelphia public schools, the Yass Prize today announced the launch of the Opportunity Knocks Scholarship, a private initiative designed to provide immediate educational options for a portion of affected families. More than 4,000 students will need to find a new school after their current school closes.
The Opportunity Knocks Scholarship will provide $8,000 annually for 500 displaced students to help families enroll in private schools throughout the city. Students who receive scholarships will remain eligible through high school graduation.
For Janine Yass, a longtime education advocate and Founder of the Yass Prize, the closures in her city were a call to action.
“I have spent years working alongside families and educators who refuse to give up on children,” said Yass. “These children impacted by the school closures deserve stability, a school that believes in them, and an opportunity to succeed with a quality education.”
Students will have the opportunity to attend one of 16 Yass Prize award-winning schools in the Philadelphia area, like Liguori Academy, which are already preparing to welcome newly displaced students.
“Families navigating a school closure are already carrying a lot. The last thing they need is uncertainty about what comes next. Every Philadelphia student deserves a supportive environment where they are known, challenged, and set up to succeed,” said Michael Marrone, founder and executive director of Liguori Academy.
“A school closure should never stand between a student and their chance to thrive,” said Caroline Allen, Director of The Yass Prize. “We hope these scholarships help Philadelphia’s students reach new heights.”
Parents and guardians of affected students are encouraged to learn more and apply at OpportunityKnocksPhilly.org or OKPhilly.org.
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ABOUT THE YASS PRIZE
The Yass Prize is America’s largest education innovation award. Since 2021, it has awarded over $60 million to more than 225 organizations across 45 states and is powered by the Center for Education Reform. Learn more at YassPrize.org.
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Aaron Tesauro
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