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
