How the Yass Prize Powers Permissionless Education
From LiberatED Podcast by Kerry McDonald
May 5, 2026 · 37 min · Season 5 · Episode 385
About this episode
Kerry McDonald interviews Caroline Allen about the Yass Prize and its impact on K-12 education innovation.
In this episode, Kerry McDonald talks with Caroline Allen , Chief Program Officer at the Center for Education Reform and Founding Director of the Yass Prize , about how this prize recognizes and celebrates K-12 education innovation and impact across the US. Caroline shared her journey from public school teacher to philanthropy, and explained the Yass Prize's four core criteria: sustainability, transformation, outstanding performance, and permissionless operation (S.T.O.P.). She offered practical advice for applicants ahead of this years's June 1 deadline, encouraging educators to clearly articulate what makes their model distinct and in high demand. The conversation also highlighted the diversity of past winners—from microschools to established networks—and the prize's role in connecting innovators while amplifying their work. *** Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org . Kerry's latest book, Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling , is available now wherever books are sold!
People in this episode
Host: Kerry McDonald
Guest: Caroline Allen
Topics covered
- education innovation
- K-12 education
- philanthropy
- microschools
- educational impact
Keywords
- Yass Prize
- education reform
- K-12
- sustainability
- transformation
- educational models
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Center for Education Reform, Yass Prize
Books & works: Joyful Learning: How to Find Freedom, Happiness, and Success Beyond Conventional Schooling
More episodes of LiberatED Podcast
- In North Dakota, a small school makes a big impact · April 28, 2026 · 30 min
- What 23,000 Parents Are Telling Us About School Choice · April 21, 2026 · 27 min
- A Conversation with Prenda Microschool "Superguides" · April 14, 2026 · 33 min
- Inclusive by Design: How Brainforest Academy Supports Neurodiverse Learners · April 7, 2026 · 33 min
- From Public School Teacher to Founder of a Self-Directed Learning Center · March 31, 2026 · 37 min
- A Two-Day, Tuition-Free Microschool With Full-Time Impact · March 24, 2026 · 30 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the LiberatED Podcast podcast page.