“Each parent will be empowered to choose an education pathway best for their child. That automatically is going to improve education in Texas.” – Governor Greg Abbott
Such was the theme of the historic Texas Education Freedom Awards, held at the innovative UATX.
Following the hard-fought adoption of what are now known as the Texas Education Freedom Accounts, the Yass Prize did what it always does — created bold new opportunities in teaching and learning to meet the needs of students and learners at every level.
And Janine and Jeff Yass did what they always do — committed several million dollars to support a competition among alumni, ensuring that the most promising organizations and schools are ready to open next year when parents, empowered with new choices, look for outstanding educational options.
Thus, the Texas Education Freedom Award was born, fully aligned with the Yass Prize mission to find, reward, celebrate, and expand education providers who STOP for students.
More than $4 million in funding was awarded to 11 education pioneers to launch or expand innovative school models in 2026. Pictures that follow tell the story of this incredible day of learning and the evening of awards that followed.
We’ll be following along and reporting as the days, months, and years unfold.
Co-founder Janine Yass noted, “With the recent passage of ESA legislation in Texas, Jeff and I knew we wanted to stand behind and support our Yass Prize alumni eager to expand and meet the growing demand from families seeking better options and outcomes for their children.”
Speakers in the roundtable discussions also included Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, and Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock, who each underscored the importance of bold leadership and strong implementation in making education freedom a reality for families across the state.
Also in attendance at the dinner were Speaker Dustin Burrows, House Public Education Chair Brad Buckley, UATX Co-founder Joe Lonsdale, UATX President Carlos Carvalho, and CER Board Chair and GSV Founder Michael Moe — each bringing their support to this historic occasion.
If the Texas Education Freedom Award convening made one thing clear, it’s that momentum is on the side of innovation. Celebration was in order, but as one speaker reminded the group: “Tonight is celebration. Tomorrow is work. These seats won’t fill themselves.”(See more highlights in our full photo gallery here.
See more photos here & read more about the event here.