AGENTS OF CHANGE

Two people standing outdoors in front of a colorful graffiti wall, participating in an art event. One person holds a vibrant painted artwork, while the other is holding a microphone and a notebook. There is a speaker, a tent, and other equipment nearby.

WHAT IS AGENTS OF CHANGE?

Agents of Change is a culturally relevant arts education curriculum that incorporates naturalist knowledge into an experiential educational survey of the five elements of Hip Hop. Agents of Change ties in the exploration of the natural world with the arts through provocative dialogue and creative learning to engage marginalized youth in cultural practices, character development, and teamwork. It has been shown that strong correlations between both culturally-responsive arts and nature education can significantly: 1) Decrease the rates of ADHD, hyperactivity disorder that disproportionately affects people of color; 2) Reduce violence and recidivism; and 3) Improve mental health, school engagement, and self-confidence. 

The curriculum takes places in 6-hour sessions over a period of 6 days. To support the next generation of environmental leadership, our program will offer a $350 artist-in-residence stipend to all youth who will participate. As a deliverable for the stipend, by the end of the week youth will create an art piece related to what they’ve learned that can be used to share their experience and educate others. The program will be held at Crab Cove  East Bay Regional Park, located in Alameda. Applications are open from April 9, 2026- JuNE 19, 2026 for youth participants ages 13-17. Make sure you apply promptly to reserve your space, we only accept 10-15 participants into the program. 

Three people sitting at a table with headphones, a laptop covered in stickers, and electronic equipment in a classroom. A whiteboard is in the background.

GOALS:

  • Increase access to culturally-responsive and nature education for marginalized youth

  • Equip youth with a deeper understanding of how ecological systems and climate change are relevant to them and their communities

  • Foster confidence in learning and nature exploration, including an ability to meet challenges

  • Expand Hip Hop’s cultural responsibility in the Environmental sector

  • Make connections between the environment and Hip Hop Culture

OUTCOMES:

  • Train youth cohort to be stewards of the environment in which they live in

  • Student-produced artwork will be displayed in EBRPD Visitors Centers

  • Students will participate in a final culminating community performance

Group of children and adults on an outdoor stage holding certificates, with some making poses and smiling, celebrating an achievement.
Two men doing breakdance moves on a blue and black linoleum mat outdoors on a grassy field, both in a push-up position with one leg extended upward.
A person wearing a mask and a white T-shirt with colorful text and graphics, standing outdoors in a garden, holding a painted sign with a dragon and graffiti-style text.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for Agents Of Change is NOW OPEN. Apply now Apply below to join the next generation of artists and changemakers.

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Are you an AOC ALUMNI?

Apply to be a Youth Mentor for Agents of Change! Applications NOW OPEN!

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