It’s Friday Forza, or Power Friday!!
It’s Friday Forza, or Power Friday!!
Long week, lots happening so I’ll get right down to business!
Come Celebrate! Yass Summit & Celebration and 30 Years of Education Disruption
I’m delighted to invite you to help us celebrate CER’s 30th anniversary - amazing! - and the unveiling of the Yass Prize 32 Semifinalists this October 10th in Cleveland, Ohio at the Cleveland Fine Arts Museum, following the day-long Yass Prize Summit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (which is nearly full but if you act quickly you might snag a final seat!)
The Celebration isn't just a party; it's where a transformational vision for education will come alive as you meet the innovators that make up the Yass Prize movement and top leaders like yourself from every sector from education to entertainment. Check out the incredible speakers here and stay tuned for a major unveiling of some incredible “participants” that you won’t want to miss at this intimate and exclusive event.
While attending the event is free, to ensure your place and demonstrate your commitment, we kindly request a contribution of $150.00. By clicking here, you can make your donation and provide your general information for the event. Rest assured, your contribution will directly benefit a Yass Prize Semifinalist following the event. But hurry - we will close registration sometime in the very near future. See you there?
But wait, I’m getting ahead of myself…
Did you meet the The 64 Quarterfinalists for the 2023 Yass Prize? From schools and community organizations to equity-focussed education alliances to ed-tech innovators—the new stellar 64 are nothing short of exceptional! They're defying educational malaise and, combined, are making a meaningful impact on the lives of more 213,000 students in 2023 (and will reach even more in 2024). They had their first meet and greet today and nearly brought me to tears several times as they talked. Congratulations to all. See you in Cleveland!
The Pre-Game
Check out this fabulous conversation with some of our star finalists before the big announcement on September 14. Watch it here to learn some fun facts, valuable insights, and to be inspired!
You’ve come a long way baby!
The best known slogan in advertising history fits what just happened in North Carolina and it’s the biggest news for parents and advocates this week, as the state legislature took its smallish voucher program to a whole new level - universally now available to all families within budget allocations, but still, no other restrictions. It’s a super proud moment for me remembering all the people who’ve worked hard since the early 90s to enable education choices for kids, and who we were able to help just a little bit along the way. Lots more to say in the future but just wanted to give a quick Friday night shout out to the people who made it happen. Go Tarheels!
Thank you, Benno.
It was an inspiring and bittersweet trip to NYC last Monday to join in the tribute to the late Benno Schmidt - Columbia Law School Dean; Moderator of television’s The Constitution, That Delicate Balance and Yale University president who left his post to help scale the modern Charter School movement through his founding of Edison Schools, with his incomparable dear friend Chris Whittle (pictured at the podium), stunning the academic world he’d been part of for decades. The gathering with old friends and a veritable who’s who from every walk of life was a testament to his influence but most of all his incredible example. Here’s a man who at the height of his career was willing to step away from his comfort zone and create a path for education innovation rather than stay in a world-renowned position, paving the way for thousands to do the same, many of whom don’t even know it. Benno was a true statesman, modest beyond compare for someone with his pedigree and a wonderful sounding board to me over the years. He will be sorely missed.
Next Week - Congress & AI, Lessons from Barbie, and what you need to know to get ready for the future! Buckle down - it’s going to be an awesome few weeks!
- Jeanne