Teaming up with the Foundation Academies School System (MLMPI Prep Academy) and undefeated mixed martial arts sensation Daniel Puder, Tyson is set to inaugurate the Tyson Transformational Technologies Academy (Tyson’s TTA), a cutting-edge micro-school catering to students from grades 6 to 12. All tuition costs will be covered through the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program and internal school scholarships, ensuring accessibility to all eligible students without financial barriers. Tyson is receiving no compensation for the use of his name and likeness in connection with the school. "It's important to me that I am able to share my life experiences to inspire the next generation,” Tyson said in a press release announcing the new initiative. “This new educational institution will build core values that I am honored and grateful to be part of the Arizona community,” he added. “I was thrilled to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and meeting some of the students." For two years, parents in Arizona have fought to implement and maintain the state’s universal ESA program, which provides $7,000 per year for any Arizona child eligible to attend an educational institution of their choosing. In 2022, teachers unions and school choice opponents put up a last minute fight to try and block the landmark legislation, attempting to force the issue to become a ballot initiative, where they could influence voters to reject the program. The stalling failed and the ESA law was enacted, making Arizona the first state in the nation to pass a universal ESA program. Since the program was implemented, it has faced sustained assaults from anti-school choice progressives, led by the state’s Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs, who has worked tirelessly to find a way to bring an end to the program. Tyson’s TTA says it “aims to redefine learning by combining innovation, financial literacy, mentorship, and community engagement,” while also fostering “emotional, belief, and physiological intelligence.” “As a society, we get to build our youths for the next generation. We are so blessed to have Mike Tyson part of our school system. He inspires our students,” Puder said in the press release.In a groundbreaking move, boxing legend Mike Tyson has ventured into the realm of education by spearheading the launch of a transformative academy in Phoenix, Arizona.
