The Academic All-Star Celebration is about integrity. As adults and parents, the message we often pass to our children – collectively and individually – is that “…knowledge is power, a mind is a terrible thing to waste, and an education is the most important thing there is.” Unfortunately, the way we live our lives arguably refute these claims. As a culture, it seems we celebrate everything BUT academic achievement. We clap and cheer for the Super Bowl, clap and cry for the Academy Awards, dance and sing for the Grammy Awards, and regularly offer standing ovations for concerts, plays, festivals, and recitals. But when do we stand and cheer – as a community – for the children who perform exactly the way we’ve asked them to? The answer is rarely. And so, we are sounding a clarion call to offer our country an opportunity to make a cultural statement about the things which, ostensibly, matter most: the education and healthy development of our young people. It’s time to do things better.
The Project FAQs
Where will the Academic All-Star celebration take place?
The inaugural event will take place in Los Angeles and is tentatively scheduled to occur on or around July 9, 2016. Our hope it to establish the Academic All-Star celebration as an annual, national event that takes place in multiple cities on the first Saturday after the 4th of July.
What will happen during the Academic All-Star Celebration?
Just like teams entering the field before the Super Bowl, participating students will see get to see their name on the overhead scoreboard before running onto the field, receiving high fives from athletes, celebrities, and city officials along the way. After enjoying remarks from an appropriate comedian, tech ambassador, and inspirational VIP, students will be treated to an up-close, intimate performance by a popular music star.
What prizes do students receive?
The Academic All-Star celebration is not about prizes. It is about cultural integrity, civic cohesion, and demonstrably validating the students who have worked really, really hard in school and achieved.
Will you add additional cities if you surpass your funding goal?
Yes.
How much will it take to add a new city?
Every $50,000 earns a new city.
Who is eligible to participate?
Any 8th grade student who has earned an equivalent year-end GPA of 3.5 or above is eligible to participate in the Academic All-Star Celebration.
Are private school students eligible?
Yes.
Are home school students eligible?
Yes. As long as academic credentials are verified by a local school board, home school scholars are eligible to participate.
What venue will you use for the Academic All-Star Celebration?
Our plan, for Los Angeles, has been to host the inaugural event at the Sports Arena in Los Angeles. However, the Sports Arena is widely expected to become the new stadium site for the Los Angeles Football Club. Should the Sports Arena become unavailable, or be demolished, other options, depending on funding levels, include the Galen Center, Dodger Stadium, or Staples Center.
