ASU Preparatory Global, a public charter school network, is among 33 semifinalists competing for a $1 million Yass Prize for Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding and Permissionless Education.

The semifinalists were announced recently at the inaugural Yass Summit, an event recognizing education innovators, according to a release.

ASU Prep was selected as a semifinalist as a result of its “multi-dimensional and innovative model of education,” the release stated.

ASU Prep launched ASU Prep Digital seven years ago, a fully online K-12 school that serves students nationwide and internationally.

In 2022, ASU Prep began blending elements of its digital model with in-person opportunities for students, giving families in Arizona the ability to attend one of five ASU Prep Microschools with options for in-person classes, project-based learning, community building and exposure to a college campus and college courses, officials said.

"ASU Prep is deeply committed to accelerating new models of education that raise academic achievement for all learners,” Amy McGrath, ASU vice president of educational outreach and managing director of ASU Prep.  

If awarded the $1 million Yass Prize, ASU Prep will continue to expand its own ASU Prep Microschools, in addition to launching the Microschool Fellowship Program, according to the release.

The fellowship program is designed “to empower parents, educators and local entrepreneurs to design customized microschools powered by ASU Prep curriculum, adaptive tools, teachers and learning success coaches,” officials said.