MONTGOMERY, ALA – Last evening in New York City Valiant Cross Academy was awarded the prestigious Yass Prize among a full room of innovative educators from all over the country. This distinguished award is known as the Pulitzer of Education Innovation and awards the best education providers who tackle significant education challenges. Valiant Cross Academy came out on top with the grand prize and the recipient of the $1 Million Dollar Yass Prize.
Anthony Brock, Founder and Head of School had this to say after winning the award. “I want to give this opportunity to every boy of color in America. I’m going to go back and work even harder. Thank you Janine and Jeff Yass, Jeanne Allen and the Yass Prize team” Said Brock. “The work we do at Valiant Cross is not just teaching; it’s life or death and we believe there is no better learning environment for African American men in the country.”
Valiant Cross Academy, along with over 2,000 applicants applied for the award in July 2023, and advanced to the 64 spot quarterfinals in September. The school then advanced to the semi-finalist round in October and was the only school in Alabama left in the top thirty-three. Since September Anthony Brock has been preparing a “pitch” and business plan along with the other remaining semi-finalists to present to the Yass Cohort. This “pitch” was to explain how they would invest the one million dollars if awarded.
With the $1 Million Yass Prize, Valiant Cross will expand its programming to serve students grades K-5 and will consider replicating its program in other cities and states. As finalists, Valiant Cross Academy will join a profoundly transformative alumni network of organizations committed to reshaping the landscape of education and positively influencing the lives of students. The detailed plans for Valiant Cross Academy’s expansion will come at a later date, but both Anthony and Frederick Brock are already working diligently to put those plans in motion.
Founded by brothers Anthony and Fred Brock, Valiant Cross Academy, a Christian all-boys school in downtown Montgomery is dedicated to providing every student with resources and 1:1 relationships for success. The academy actively seeks innovative approaches and educational models, offering diverse programs to equip students with the skills needed to thrive. Positioned across from Martin Luther King\’s church, Valiant Cross, rooted in deep historical significance, serves as a beacon of hope in a community facing significant challenges, combining a strong faith-based approach with practical workplace learning opportunities through partnerships and unique academies.
For more detailed information on the Yass Prize imitative, please visit YASSPRIZE.org.
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