Watch Think It Up 2015 Telecast

Think It Up was a one-hour telecast that aired in September 2015 as a national education initiative organized by the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF). The telecast aimed to bring awareness to the importance of school innovation and was broadcasted simultaneously on ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC, alongside affiliated networks. The show featured performances and appearances from some of America's biggest stars, such as Kristen Bell, Matthew McConaughey, and Gwyneth Paltrow, to ignite a nationwide conversation about the power of learning .

The program was presented by acclaimed journalist Soledad O'Brien, who, along with various philanthropists, educators, and policymakers, moderated a roundtable discussion aimed at identifying the links between innovative practices, community involvement, and student success. During the conversation, the focus was on identifying areas where private and public organizations could come together to support innovative projects and classroom activities that aligned with the common core curriculum standards for K-12 education.

In line with its goal of supporting school programs that were initiated by teachers, Think It Up featured segments highlighting classroom activities geared towards promoting collaboration and enhancing creativity. These activities were designed to foster student success and encourage critical thinking abilities, a crucial skill for preparing students for the real world. The show also provided an opportunity for viewers to donate to public schools' fundraising campaigns, giving the public a chance to invest in the education of America's future generations.

Think It Up was the result of a musical event that took place in 2014 where EIF executive produced a television special aimed at providing teachers with the resources they need to inspire their students. The success of the inaugural event prompted the development of Think It Up, which built on the core aim of inspiring students in the classroom. The event brought together students, teachers, celebrities, and public-private partnerships to promote student success, critical thinking, and community involvement.

The show had a variety of segments featuring classrooms across America showcasing projects that were initiated by teachers and students. The activities highlighted during these segments ranged from improved physical education programs, healthy food options in the school’s cafeteria, and after-school activities geared towards science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects. Other segments featured students in journalism classes working on creating original content and podcasts, while others featured students organizing community service programs to benefit their local communities.

One of the highlights of the show was its entertainment value. Viewers watched several musical performances by popular artists such as Justin Bieber, Diane Warren, and Big Sean. These performances were interspersed throughout the show, serving as moments of levity while promoting a message of progressive thinking and innovation in the classroom.

Another central aspect of the program was the commitment to transparency and accountability. Towards this end, viewers were able to follow progress reports on the show's website about the donations that had been made to schools across America. Anyone who wanted to donate could contribute to existing projects or propose entirely new projects that would then be reviewed by a panel that included donors and influential figures within the educational community before being implemented in the classroom.

Overall, Think It Up was a groundbreaking national education initiative that sought to highlight the importance of progressive thinking in the classroom. By showcasing innovative classroom activities and providing a platform for discussion around these practices, it aimed to inspire public-private partnerships and philanthropic support for schools across America. The event not only provided a chance for students and teachers to showcase their work but also recognized the importance of community involvement in promoting education. It was an excellent opportunity for America as a whole to come together and support the future generations' success, making the dream of quality education for all a reality.