(MONTGOMERY, ALA) On Thursday, January 18, 2024, Valiant Cross Academy
will welcome Janine Yass, Founder of the Yass Prize, along with Governor Kay Ivey and other notable
guests for a special media event. This event will include an exciting announcement about expansion
plans for Valiant Cross Academy, as well as a special announcement from the Yass Prize executives right
here from Montgomery, Alabama! The Yass Prize is known as the Pulitzer of Education Innovation and
awards the best education providers who tackle significant education challenges.
“I am honored to welcome Janine Yass and her team to see Montgomery, Alabama to witness the great
work that our staff does every day to build the next generation of leaders.” Said Anthony Brock,
Founder and Head of School “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 Yass Prize 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. In December the
school came out on top as the $1 Million Winner of the Yass Prize.
As the winner, 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.
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 initiative, please visit www.YASSPRIZE.org
For more information, please contact Kimberly Baker, Director of Development and Marketing for
Valiant Cross Academy, at Kimberly@valiantcross.org
