Dear HFCA Families,
We are thrilled to share incredible news! Out of thousands of applicants nationwide, Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy (HFCA) has been selected as one of only 23 contenders for the 2025 $1 Million Yass Prize. This prestigious award, often called the “Pulitzer for Education Innovation,” celebrates schools that are Sustainable, Transformational, Outstanding, and Permissionless.
Dr. Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy Names Contender for 2025 Yass Prize!
A message from the CEO:
“This recognition is not just an honor, it puts HFCA on the national stage and highlights the innovative, student-centered work happening right here in our community. We are proud to be the only school in Wisconsin to make it this far, showcasing the excellence of our students, staff, and leadership. This milestone is a celebration of our collective excellence, innovation, and love for learning. Together, we continue to show the world that HFCA is transforming education for every student.”
-Rodney Lynk Jr.
Why this matters:
We now have the opportunity to compete for the top prize of $1,000,000!
This recognition places HFCA on a national stage and highlights the powerful work we’re doing for our students and community.
- Grand Winner: $1,000,000 (1 selected)
- Finalists: $500,000 (2 selected)
- Semi-Finalists: $200,000 (minimum)
- All participants will also receive additional recognition and awards.
What’s next:
I’ll be participating in the YASS Virtual Accelerators over the next three weeks to prepare, and then I’ll be heading to Miami to pitch our organization live!
How you can support:
- Continue to support Black Excellence and show that students matter through the way we affirm them, through the way we build relationships with them and through the way we educate them at the highest level that they deserve.
- Continue to build the HFCA Leader Creed in self and in others – collectively we have to continue to push ourselves and our students to aspire to the next level and fight for the standard of excellence every day.
This moment reflects the collective excellence, innovation, and love we bring to our mission every day. Let’s celebrate this milestone and get ready to represent HFCA with pride!
With gratitude,
Rodney Lynk Jr.
Chief Executive Officer
Howard Fuller Collegiate Academy