W.K. Kellogg Foundation supports MSNBC on “Making the Grade” education special in Detroit

Contact: Kristofer Eisenla
Widmeyer Communications
202-667-0901
kristofer.eisenla@widmeyer.com

BATTLE CREEK, Mich. – The W.K. Kellogg Foundation today announced it will support MSNBC on its second annual “A Stronger America: Making the Grade” education special. MSNBC will broadcast the live two-hour event with a focus on strengthening America through education from the Detroit School of Arts on Sunday, August 14.

“MSNBC’s ‘Making the Grade’ special has exhibited a deeper understanding of the challenges communities like ours confront,” said Sterling Speirn, president and CEO of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. “There’s no simple silver-bullet solution to poor schools, generations of poverty, and ongoing struggles with racial inequalities. That means we have to work harder to solve such entrenched problems. And by raising awareness of the issues, and shining a light on members of the community who are making a difference, MSNBC is doing its part.”

“Making the Grade” will feature daily segments during the week of August 8–14. Through profiles of success and struggles on topics ranging from school readiness and early learning to high school graduation and meaningful employment, “Making the Grade” has the power to shift national perceptions about education. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s focus on early learning and underserved youth and “Making the Grade” represents an unprecedented opportunity for the foundation to build national support for vulnerable children and families.

Hosted by MSNBC Anchor Tamron Hall and co-hosted by MSNBC Contributor Jeff Johnson, the special will ask tough questions about the country’s education system and will spotlight community-based solutions that are helping to address the inequities that pervade it. The town hall will also bring together leaders in the education community to discuss what’s needed to put children on a path to success—including involving parents and communities, supporting high quality early childhood development and education, fostering racial equity in our nation’s schools and other essential topics.

In late September, the foundation will also participate in Education Nation, NBC’s signature leadership summit and news broadcast initiative. “Making the Grade” comes as a precursor to MSNBC’s participation in Education Nation, a week-long event beginning September 25 across all NBC News platforms.

Updated: 8/11/2011 – 3:30p.m.