Basketball star LeBron James is heading back to class too.
President Obama recruited the popular celebrities to return to school with him in an effort to get kids excited about learning.
You can see the president’s star-studded pep rally September 8th at 8 p.m. on BET, MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Spike TV and Nickelodeon. In addition to appearances by Clarkson and James, the back-to-school TV special will also include Obama’s speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz, who talks about her time in school and current job at the White House. Also featured are Clarkson’s music director, Jason Halbert, and James’ marketer, Latesha Williams who share stories about their time in class.
President Obama also plans to deliver a back-to-school speech to the nation’s students on the same day. That event will also be broadcast to kids across the country and focus on the benefits of education.
According to White House staff, the president’s speech to the nation’s school children will be that education is the key to people living out their dreams.
Here’s a preview of Obama’s back-to-school speech, which was released by the White House last week:
“So as this new school year begins, I urge you to set goals for your own education: to study hard and get involved in your school, to try new things and find something you’re passionate about. And that’s how our nation will get ahead – by ensuring that every American gets a world-class education, from preschool to college to a career.”
The president’s message to America’s youth coincides with the kickoff of an education initiative by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation called “Get Schooled.” According to the White House, the five-year campaign is aimed at improving the United State’s dismal high school and college completion rates.
The president’s spokespeople are making a concerted effort to draw attention to the fact that Obama has made education a top priority during his administration. They also noted that schools got unprecedented money from the economic stimulus law earlier this year.
What do you think about the president appearing in a back-to-school TV special? Will you be watching? Will you make your children tune in?
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