Idaho educators still have time to apply for $1M Yass Prize

In the education world, the Yass Prize is considered the nation’s largest financial award and the Pulitzer of education innovation.

With a $1 million prize at stake, Idaho education providers of every type and scale still have time to apply for the prestigious award for 2026. Applications will be accepted through June 1 and must be received by 10 a.m. MST.

Recognizing the most transformational, sustainable and outstanding education models in America, Yass prize money aims to help educators accelerate their impact on students and expand opportunities in the communities in which they serve, while fostering a sense of urgency to help make education work for all students.

“Year after year, the organizations that have moved quickly to the top are the ones who almost didn’t apply,” said Caroline Allen, founding director of the Yass Prize. “If you’re doing extraordinary work for kids, this prize was built for you.”

Selected finalists will be afforded the opportunity to attend the Yass Prize Accelerator in Miami, an intensive boot camp where participants are paired with expert advisors to help sharpen their business plans and pitch for the $1 million grand prize.

This year’s winner will be announced at the Power of Innovation Summit on Oct. 6 in Philadelphia.

Since 2021, Yass has awarded over $60 million to more than 225 organizations across 45 states. The organization is powered by the Center for Education Reform.

“Every year, we are thrilled to find these education changemakers, and we are grateful to be able to reward their extraordinary creativity, tenacity and achievements, and to help them build for the future,” said Janine Yass, who co-founded the prize program with her husband Jeff.

Previous Idaho education outfits recognized by Yass include GEM Innovation Schools, a 2023 Yass Prize semifinalist, and One Stone’s Lab51, a student-driven microschool and 2022 Yass quarterfinalist.

Educators can visit YassPrize.org to apply for the award.