The mission of the H2A is to facilitate critical thinking, foster constructive social change and unity to instill tolerance, civic participation, social reform, and economic sustainability, while advancing Hip-Hop's culture through innovative programming.


H2Ed [Hip-Hop Education]

Empowerment Through Education!

H2Ed [Hip-Hop Education] is the education initiative of the H2A. Formed in 2003, H2Ed was founded under the premise that Hip-Hop, one of the most influential cultural forces today, has the ability to educate, inform and empower today's youth. We are advocates for education alteration and support educators that use Hip-Hop to reach the youth through Hip-Hop culture by combining a creative mix of standard educational formats and the popularity of Hip-Hop.

  • H2Ed Programming – The H2A is committed to mobilizing the community we call T.O.P.S.Y. (Teachers, Organizations, Parents, Social Workers and Youth) to produce H2Ed Summits and Summer Teacher Institutes. These forums are used to exchange educational models and theories in order to build inter-generational relationships and future education leaders. Educators currently using Hip-Hop in their practice facilitate workshops, while Hip-Hop historians and field experts discuss the history and impact of Hip-Hop.
  • Freshest Youth – The H2A in collaboration with numerous community partners offers youth workshops in media literacy, Hip-Hop aesthetic (mcing, djing, graffiti, beat-boxing, and break-dancing), and internships to cultivate a new generation of Hip-Hop leaders. We also present panel discussions and showcase youth media that address an array of topics and images affecting youth today.
  • H2Ed Publishing - In February 2007, the H2A published the first of its kind reference book entitled, the Hip-Hop Education Guidebook: Volume One. The guidebook offers theory papers and interdisciplinary standards-referenced lesson plans written for and by teachers. The H2A will continue to self-publish books to offer the community relevant and necessary educational tools and resources.

H2Ed announces early bird submission for the Hip-Hop Education Guidebook: Volume 2

*Are you a Hip-Hop head who merges your knowledge of Hip-Hop culture in the classroom?
*Do you use rhymes to teach math and geography?
*Do you use themes and lessons found in Hip-Hop lyrics to discuss obesity, global warming, or police brutality?
*Do you have an essay exploring Hip-Hop as education?

If you answered yes to any of these questions please submit your lesson plans and reflection essays for consideration for the Hip-Hop Education Guidebook: Volume 2. The Guidebook, published by the Hip-Hop Association, will feature interdisciplinary standards-referenced lesson plans written for and by teachers across the U.S. We encourage creative lesson plans in "non-traditional" Hip-Hop education subjects, such as math, science, ESL/ELA, social justice etc. In the spirit of youth-culture-fusion we welcome submissions that incorporate dance hall, reggae, punk, emo etc. If your submission is selected you will be published in the Hip-Hop Education Guidebook: Volume 2 and receive a complimentary copy of the guidebook. You may receive a wide range of media coverage, interview opportunities, and may be eligible to receive bulk discounts.

Complete the Submission Form Online, NOW! (Deadline - March 1, 2008)

Having trouble, download the Submission Form NOW!

Additional Downloads

The Hip-Hop Education Survey

We've created a new initiative to evaluate the influence and pervasiveness of hip-hop education. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey. Thank you for your help.

Take the Hip-Hop Education Survey NOW!