American Idol Casts Big Vote for Afterschool

"On April 24 and 25, the hit television show 'American Idol' held a special prime time charity fundraising event, 'Idol Gives Back.' Select organizations that provide or support afterschool programs are among the organizations that will benefit from funds raised – according to initial reports, more than $60 million.

Celine Dion and Kelly Clarkson were among the celebrities who lent their star-power to the effort to raise awareness and money to help children living in extreme poverty in the United States and Africa. Charity Projects Entertainment Fund will administer the funds, and recipients include the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Save the Children and America's Second Harvest – all of which work with afterschool programs.

In partnership with Scholastic, 'Idol Gives Back' has created an interactive educational website to help students and teachers learn more about the issues discussed during the show and to raise youth awareness about 'global citizenship.' The site includes a student magazine, Teen Citizen, for students in grades six through eight, plus a high school version and teacher guides. The website also features information and activities for younger students.