Today, from the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI America) meeting in Chicago, we announced a new partnership with 826 National.

This partnership is our CGI "Commitment of Action" -- "a plan made to address a major global challenge." Since CGI was founded in 2005, members have made more than 2,100 commitments, which have impacted the lives of nearly 400 million people in more than 180 countries.

Co-founded by educator Nínive Calegari and esteemed author Dave Eggers, 826 National is a network of eight non-profit centers that work with more than 29,000 low-income students, ages 6-18, to improve their writing skills through a series of innovative programs. As a literary junkie and writer myself, I'm pretty excited about this news.

Through this relationship, we'll fund the development of a pilot program that incorporates STEM principles into 826 National’s proven creative writing model. These workshops will build on our Connect a Million Minds commitment to inspire the next generation of problem solvers. Also exciting, we've tapped another partner of ours -- the Coalition for Science After School (CSAS) -- to assist with developing the STEM components of the workshop curriculum.

About this new partnership, CEO for 826 National Gerald Richards said:

"Since attending CGI America last year, 826 National has been thinking about how our organization and its unique focus on writing might contribute to enhancing our students' interest in STEM. Not by straying from our mission, which puts fun and creativity first, but by infusing what we already do well into the equation. We are proud to partner with Time Warner Cable and CSAS on this innovative program"

Ninety students will participate in action-packed four-week workshops at 826 National locations in New York City, Los Angeles and San Francisco this summer. Lessons will include the science behind ice cream and deep space exploration. They will culminate in the publishing of a booklet and -- naturally -- a celebration! Check back here for news and photos from these awesome events.

For more news on our partnership with 826 National, read the official press release.