"The support by MENC of this unique middle and high school program and our relationship with Scholastic is the proudest achievement of my life," says Van Zandt. "Our joint efforts will ensure that future generations will continue to be inspired, motivated, and enlightened by the worldwide common ground communication of Rock and Roll."

The Little Steven's Rock and Roll High School program will be a chronological anthology tracing the history of Rock and Roll from its roots to present day, highlighting the cultural impact and significance of each era of the genre as it relates to the events and changes that took place in the history of the country and of the world. The content for the program will be created by educators and some of the most prominent rock music historians and writers in the country, and each lesson will feature a DVD component with various relevant musicians and celebrities contributing.

"The long and important history of Rock and Roll as it reflects history and culture offers an innovative and relevant teaching opportunity for teachers," says Shelley White, Editorial Director of Scholastic's InSchool division. "Scholastic is proud to join with MENC and Steven Van Zandt to bring this terrific new initiative to schools across the nation."