Liguori Academy named as a Semifinalist for the prestigious Yass Prize
Liguori Academy is graciously thrilled to share that we have been selected out of over 2,000 applicants as a Semifinalist amongst America’s most innovative educational organizations for this year’s Yass Prize. This highly regarded recognition is awarded to education providers with operational and instructional methods that are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless, also referred to as the STOP principles.
“At Liguori Academy, we ensure that if traditional education systems inadequately meet the diverse needs of students, that this limitation does not hinder a student’s ability to succeed,” says Founder and President Michael Marrone. “Through our outstanding programs and systems of support, we bridge gaps and empower our students with Boundless Love and Opportunities to achieve their fullest potential.”
Considered the “Pulitzer Prize for Education Innovation,” the Yass Prize is a dynamic effort, which aims to elevate, support, and expand educational organizations that are striving to make a significant impact on students' learning experiences.
At Liguori Academy, our students are introduced early on our pioneering methods such as social-emotional learning, where students can acquire a better understanding of fundamentals like self-awareness, and our postsecondary support, which is based on the exploration of the students’ interests as they enter the ninth grade and advances to individualized guidance after graduation from Liguori’s three in-house experts and Postsecondary Manager.
Additionally, Liguori students are offered an employer informed curriculum within the career cohort program, which offers work ready certifications. All Liguori students receive a college and career ready education to ensure every student graduates with more than just a diploma.
Established in 2021 by Janine and Jeff Yass, The Yass Prize has generously distributed millions as they strive to diminish education inequalities and pivot to more impactful ways to spend resources improving student lives. The Yass Prize is committed to growing a network of educators who are ready to bring and share their ideas into the 21st century. Annually, more than 2,000 organizations—including public institutions, private nonprofits, charter schools, micro schools, and ed-tech companies—share their stories with the 850 judges, vying for the grand prize and honor.
The Liguori team applied for this opportunity last Spring, and conveyed our school’s story, sharing our successes, hopes, and dreams for the future. By sharing our story and our programs that drive success, we are now one step closer to carving the pathways to success for not only our students, but our staff and the school itself, propelling it into the 21st century future.
Mike Marrone founded Liguori Academy as a visionary who sought to disrupt the failing education system by preparing future leaders through personalized learning in a community that offers boundless opportunities in the spirit of Alphonsus Liguori.
Taking inspiration from the life of Alphonsus, Liguori Academy provides a transformative experience serving some of Philadelphia’s most resource challenged youths, denying no qualified applicant admissions due to financial need. As the only school selected in Philadelphia by The Yass Prize, Liguori Academy has demonstrated remarkable success since opening in 2016 and has big plans to continue this growth in the future.
To learn more about Liguori Academy and The Yass Prize, please visit: yassprize.org.