FEE’s Enterprising Founder Award

About the Program

Launched in fall 2024, the FEE Enterprising Founder Award recognizes talented education entrepreneurs across the U.S. who have launched innovative and effective schooling options that are reshaping their communities. These options could include microschools and low-cost private schools, learning pods, hybrid homeschools and various types of homeschooling collaboratives, as well as virtual schools and related K-12 learning models.

Successful applicants demonstrate a deep commitment to entrepreneurship and free-market principles. These key principles include:

1. Private Property Rights: Individuals and businesses have the right to own and control their property and assets, which provides the incentive to invest and innovate.
2. Voluntary Exchange: Transactions are conducted freely and voluntarily between buyers and sellers. Both parties expect to benefit from the exchange.
3. Competition: Multiple businesses compete to offer better products and services, leading to innovation, improved quality, and lower prices.
4. Consumer Sovereignty: Consumers have the power to determine what goods and services are produced based on their purchasing choices. Businesses must respond to consumer preferences to succeed.
5. Limited Government: Government intervention is kept to a minimum, typically restricted to protecting individuals’ rights to life, liberty, and property.
6. Freedom of Choice: Individuals and businesses have the freedom to make their own economic decisions, such as what to produce, how to produce, and for whom to produce.

The winning founder receives a $5,000 award, with two runners-up each earning $2,500.