“MORNING JOE” LIVE FROM THE BRONX – SEPT. 30

The Special Broadcast Will Highlight Bronx Charter School for Excellence As Part of “Morning Joe” and Starbucks’ Commitment to Education NEW YORK – September 28, 2011 – MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” will originate live from Bronx Charter School for Excellence in New York City on Friday, September 30. The broadcast will explore how BCSE, one of New York State’s highest performing charter schools, has dramatically improved academic results and created a culture of excellence that serves as a successful model for schools across the nation. The special broadcast is part of “Morning Joe” and Starbucks’ commitment to education.

“Morning Joe” anchors Joe Scarborough, Mika Brzezinski, and Willie Geist will be joined by guests Howard Schultz, President and CEO of Starbucks, musician Gloria Estefan, visiting NYU professor and former congressman Harold Ford, President and CEO of Lincoln Center Ren Levy, Pulitzer Prize winner Jon Meacham, Director of The Earth Institute at Columbia University Dr. Jeffrey Sachs, MSNBC host Rev. Al Sharpton, and MSNBC analyst Michael Steele.

Willie Geist will also anchor “Way too Early” (MSNBC 5:30-6:00 a.m.) live from BCSE on September 30.

In March 2011, “Morning Joe” and Starbucks announced the renewal of their relationship with an ongoing commitment to supporting innovation in community and education. Bronx Charter School for Excellence is the second of four schools that will be highlighted this year for making a difference in the community. Crenshaw High School in Los Angeles was the first school to be featured. In addition, each month “Morning Joe” profiles of one individual who is a champion for education.

Alex Korson is the executive producer and Ann Edelberg is senior supervising producer of “Morning Joe” (MSNBC weekdays 6:00-9:00 a.m. ET). Dana Haller is supervising producer of special projects for MSNBC. For more information, please visit www.joe.msnbc.com. The broadcast is not open to the public.

About Bronx Charter School for Excellence:

Bronx Charter School for Excellence, located in Parkchester and Morris Park, is a free public charter school serving 440 scholars that recently expanded to include grades K-7. In 2011-2012, BCSE’s 3rd-6th graders achieved a combined 93.5% proficiency level in English Language Arts and Mathematics. BCSE is ranked the 4th highest performing K – 8 public school in New York State, which includes all traditional public schools and charter schools. It is also the only school among the top 5 that is not a gifted and talented or specialty school model, which rely on self-selection for admission. BCSE’s academic program is complemented by parent-driven initiatives, school-wide events, and extensive extra-curricular offerings – all of which work together to enrich the total child.