A story and a beat can create change in our community

Who we are

Our Why: Empowering Underserved Students Through Culturally Competent, Holistic Education

At Hip Hop For Change, we are driven by the belief that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has the potential to thrive when given the right tools, support, and opportunities. Our programming is designed to be holistic, culturally competent, and affirmative. We meet young people where they are at, and use Hip Hop culture as a dynamic vehicle for personal growth and academic success. We don’t just teach; we inspire, uplift, and create pathways to success that honor each student's unique identity and experience.

We have earned a strong reputation in The Bay Area for our ability to engage and empower underserved students through innovative, culturally relevant programming. We partner with schools and organizations that share our vision of transforming education to unlock the hidden potential of students who are often overlooked or underserved by traditional education systems. These schools are not just participants—they are innovators in the field of education, committed to providing an inclusive, empowering, and forward-thinking approach to learning.

Two young boys standing outdoors holding certificates of achievement during a daytime event.

We advocate for systemic change rooted in our community, owning the means of our creative production, amplifying our voices, and taking back our narrative. We recognize the colonial systems that use white supremacy to maintain practices that undermine communities of color by denying access to the opportunities needed to secure self-determination and liberty

Two young women holding hands, one wearing a white T-shirt with a tiger graphic and jeans, the other wearing a black hoodie, ripped jeans, and sneakers.

Our approach to education …

goes beyond the classroom. We use Hip Hop as a tool to bridge the gap between cultural relevance and academic excellence, fostering an environment where students can connect deeply with what they’re learning. Through music, dance, spoken word, and other elements of Hip Hop culture, students not only develop skills in creative expression but also critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. By connecting curriculum to real-world culture, we make education engaging, meaningful, and impactful for students who often find themselves disengaged in traditional settings.

We know that unlocking potential requires more …

than just teaching academic skills—it requires a commitment to addressing the whole child. That’s why our programming is designed to support students socially, emotionally, and academically. We build strong relationships, create safe spaces for self-expression, and foster a sense of belonging that empowers students to take ownership of their education and their future.

Our work is rooted …

in the belief that education should be a force for social change, one that uplifts and transforms entire communities. By partnering with schools that are equally committed to creating meaningful educational experiences, we are helping to shape a future where every student has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. This is our why: to unlock the full potential of underserved students and pave the way for a more equitable, inclusive, and just education system.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame logo in black text on white background.

Our partners

Logo of the Asian Art Museum featuring a stylized black V shape with a gradient and the text 'Asian Art Museum' beside it.
Meta logo with a blue infinity symbol and the word 'Meta' in black text.
Meyer Sound logo with black sound wave icon and blue text
Logo of Oakland School for the Arts with large black letters 'O S' and a red letter 'A', and the text 'Oakland School for the Arts' underneath.
City of Oakland logo featuring a stylized tree.
De Young Museum logo with stylized text and a brown square background.
Dolby Digital logo in black and white.
Logo of Serato DJ Pro software with blue icon and black text.
Black and white logo for the Hip-Hop Education Center with stylized text in a geometric design.
Sign reading 'California Lawyers for the Arts' with the words 'Education,' 'Representation,' and 'Dispute Resolution' underneath.

Hip Hop For Change are proud partners with the Hip Hop Education Center and contributors to National Hip Hop Education Standards

Logo for East Bay Regional Park District with green background and white tree graphic.
Sierra Club logo with a green tree and mountain forest illustration next to the organization's name.
SFUSD logo with image of a bridge and the text 'SFUSD San Francisco Public Schools'.
Logo of Zellerbach Family Foundation featuring a red leaf and the organization name.
SFUSD logo with the San Francisco skyline and bridge
California Arts Council logo with blue and red text
Berkeley University of California logo with a seal on the left and the text 'Berkeley University of California' on the right.
Logo with the word "exploratorium" featuring a black circle replacing the letter "o" in the center.

Empowering the Next Generation Through Hip Hop Education

At Hip Hop for Change, we use Hip Hop culture as a powerful tool for education, self-expression, and empowerment. Through our workshops, assemblies, and community programs, we’ve reached and inspired thousands of students worldwide.

A speaker or performer addressing a large school assembly or event in a gymnasium with students seated on bleachers.

45,000+ students served globally

Group of diverse people celebrating outdoors under a blue sky, some wearing masks, with graffiti art on the wall and a white tent on the right.

100+ schools & community centers partnered with

A young woman with braided hair holds a microphone and appears to be speaking or performing in front of a seated audience in a room with black curtains.

90% of students report increased confidence & creativity

Make an impact today

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