May 15, 2020

CARSON CITY, Nev – The Nevada Department of Education is pleased to partner with the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and XQ Institute in support of a one-hour, commercial-free, primetime graduation special: Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.

The program will air on television, streaming services and various social media platforms on Saturday, May 16, 2020. The televised program will begin at 8 p.m. Eastern and 8 p.m. Pacific Time on 30 broadcast and cable networks. The program may also be viewed via live internet streaming services and social media platforms beginning at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific Time.

During the broadcast, viewers will be encouraged to visit XQ’s new Rethink Together online forum, which will feature specific content for every state along with a congratulatory message from State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jhone Ebert. The forum will also include stories highlighting the dedication of students, educators, and schools amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevada’s page honors student stories that were submitted by school districts featuring students in high schools in Clark, Washoe, Douglas, Carson City, and Churchill counties.

“The Class of 2020 has certainly been challenged but has demonstrated the strength and determination to keep going. Each one of you possess the skills to succeed and you have already begun to change the world for the better. Congratulations Class of 2020. You’ve earned this, dream big and carry out your dreams,” said Superintendent Ebert.

A list of prominent leaders and entertainers will be a part of this special celebration of the Class of 2020. Led by XQ Institute, The LeBron James Family Foundation, and The Entertainment Industry Foundation, the special is being produced in partnership with a broad coalition of education, philanthropic, and corporate partners.

In addition, corporate and philanthropic giving associated with #GraduateTogether will benefit DonorsChoose and America’s Food Fund to help meet student needs in some of the nation’s most underserved and under-resourced communities.

About the Nevada Department of Education

The Nevada Department of Education (NDE) leads and collaborates with Nevada’s 17 school districts and the State Public Charter School Authority to advance educational equity Statewide. With offices in Carson City and Las Vegas, NDE oversees all pre-K-12 education in the State, working to achieve its mission to improve student achievement and educator effectiveness by ensuring opportunities, facilitating learning, and promoting excellence. Under the leadership of the State Board of Education and the Superintendent of Public Instruction, NDE impacts the achievement of nearly half a million children and 30,000 educators.