Young describes the mindset, culture, and practices necessary for breakthrough innovation in a live edWeb.net webinar on July 13
BOSTON — Julie Young, the founding CEO of Florida Virtual School, ASU Prep Digital and ASU Prep Global and one of the architects of the modern virtual learning movement has released a new book, Say YES! How Virtual Became Reality. Published in partnership with Pioneer Institute, the book chronicles the mindset shifts and disciplined practices that allowed her and her team to turn a small, grant-funded pilot into a first-of-its-kind national model serving millions of students globally. Young will discuss her journey on Monday, July 13 from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. ET, in a live webinar hosted by edWeb.net.
The webinar, Say YES! The Mindset That Unlocks Innovation in Education, will be hosted by Lisa Schmucki, founder and CEO of edWeb.net, and is free and open to the public through advance registration. Young will discuss her new book, Say YES! How Virtual Became Reality and share stories of experimentation, partnership, and courage that she says are essential for leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo.
“Innovation in education doesn’t start with technology, it starts with a willingness to say yes to an idea before you know exactly how it will work,” Young said. “When we started Florida Virtual School, there was no roadmap and very little funding. What we did have was a group of committed people willing to say yes and venture into the unknown, fail fast, pivot, and adapt. That mindset is the real story behind how virtual learning became a reality for millions of students across the world and it’s the same mindset education leaders need today as they navigate the next wave of change, including AI.”
Young grew Florida Virtual School from a 77-student pilot into the largest state virtual school in the country over 17 years, ultimately reaching more than two million learners worldwide. She went on to serve as CEO and senior advisor to ASU Prep Academy and vice president at Arizona State University. President Michael Crow has described her book as an inside account of how a bold experiment grew by reimagining learning.
“Julie Young’s career is an exemplar of what’s possible when K-12 educators are given the freedom to innovate,” said Jamie Gass, director for school reform at Pioneer Institute. “Her story is a reminder that some of the most consequential policy advances in education come not from mandates, but from leaders willing to pioneer a great idea on behalf of schoolchildren.”
Event Details
When: Monday, July 13, 2026, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET
Register: https://registration.anymeeting.com/E953D68986483B60/registration-form
Recording: All registrants will receive a link to the recording and can earn a CE certificate for attending
About Julie Young:
Julie Young is an edupreneur, educator, innovator, and author whose work has helped transform modern education. As the founding President and CEO of Florida Virtual School, she played a pioneering role in creating the virtual education industry, growing FLVS from a 77-student pilot into the largest state virtual school in the country and reaching more than two million learners worldwide. She later served as the founding CEO of ASU Prep Digital and ASU Prep Global at Arizona State University. She is the author of the new memoir Say YES! How Virtual Became Reality, published in partnership with Pioneer Institute.
About Say YES!
Say YES! How Virtual Became Reality chronicles Julie Young’s journey from classroom teacher to founding CEO of Florida Virtual School and founding CEO of ASU Prep Digital and ASU Prep Global, offering an inside look at the leadership, innovation, and perseverance that helped transform virtual education. The book is available in paperback, hardcover, and eBook formats through Amazon. To order, visit: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Say+YES%21+How+Virtual+Became+Reality+Julie+Young.
About Pioneer Institute: Pioneer empowers Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive. Working with state policymakers, we use expert research, educational initiatives, legal action and coalition-building to advance human potential in four critical areas: K-12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity, and American Civic Values.
