PHILADELPHIA (AP) – public school students received a special surprise during an educational project with The Aspen Institute.

Roots drummer Questlove on Wednesday was called in as a guest to motivate high school students participating in this year’s challenge. The Aspen Institute annually partners with an urban school district for a problem solving venture called The Aspen Challenge.

KYW-TV reports the Philadelphia native advised students to leave their comfort zones in order to think freely and solve problems.

More than 20 groups of high school students participated in the event. The students were tasked with solving the world’s most pressing issues.