Yass Prize Roadshow Visit to our Tampa Campus

In February, we had the honor of welcoming the Center for Education Reform’s Yass Prize Roadshow to Pepin Academies. Having the group visit our Tampa campus gave us a meaningful opportunity to share our story and to showcase the students, staff, and approach that define who we are every day.

During the visit, we were proud to showcase our classrooms and share what learning looks like at Pepin Academies. At our schools, academics and therapeutic supports are fully integrated into the school day. Therapy isn’t something that pulls students away from learning it happens in real time, alongside instruction, in ways that support independence, confidence, and growth.

As our Executive Director, Dr. Jeff Skowronek, shared during the Roadshow, if we believe disability impacts learning, then it’s our responsibility to address it head‑on. That philosophy drives our work and shapes our school culture every single day.

While our integrated therapeutic model is a defining feature of Pepin Academies, it’s never the whole story. What we most wanted the Roadshow team to see was the student experience the joy, creativity, and confidence our students bring into their learning.

The arts are an essential part of life at Pepin. Whether students are performing on stage, exploring Shakespeare, or building confidence through creative expression, the arts help our students find their voice and discover new strengths. They are not an add‑on; they are a core part of how we teach and connect.

We were also excited to highlight our Career and Technical Education programs and growing Transition Program, which serve young adults ages 18–22. Through real jobs and real‑world partnerships, our students are building independence and preparing for life beyond Pepin one step at a time.

From small engine repair to culinary arts, our students aren’t just learning skills—they’re practicing problem‑solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and responsibility in authentic, hands‑on ways. Seeing that work recognized during the Roadshow was incredibly meaningful for our entire community.

A Moment of Pride for Our Community

The Yass Prize Roadshow was more than a visit—it was a moment of pride for our students, staff, and families. It gave us the chance to spotlight the passion, resilience, and dedication that define Pepin Academies, and to share how powerful it can be when students are truly supported and understood.

We were grateful for the opportunity to tell our story alongside the students and educators who live it every day, and to connect with a national audience committed to expanding educational opportunity and innovation.

Looking Ahead

Being featured on the Yass Prize Roadshow reaffirmed what we have always known: when students feel they belong, learning follows. At Pepin Academies, we remain deeply committed to creating environments where students are seen for who they are—not for the labels placed on them.

We are thankful to the Center for Education Reform and the Yass Prize for recognizing our work and helping elevate innovative education models that put students first. This experience has strengthened our resolve to continue growing, learning, and expanding what’s possible for exceptional learners.

To read the full Roadshow feature, visit:
Pepin Academies: Where Labels Don’t Limit Learning

Looking Ahead

This award is more than an honor—it’s an opportunity to amplify our mission and continue transforming lives through education. We are proud to stand among the nation’s most innovative education providers and look forward to expanding our impact in the years ahead.

Learn More

To learn more about the Yass Prize and see the full list of 2025 contenders and finalists, visit YassPrize.org.