INNER-CITY HIP HOP PROGRAM DOES WHAT MANY SCHOOLS CAN’T – MOTIVATE STUDENTS TO LEARN!

“This class has truly changed my life...the lessons that have been taught will stick with me forever!” says one graduating student.

Los Angeles, California – August 2008 – A groundbreaking educational Hip Hop program offered at a public charter school in South Los Angeles is making a deep impact in the hearts and minds of its students.  The Global Awareness through Hip Hop Culture Program, one of the only full time educational Hip Hop programs in the country being offered as an elective course for middle and high school students, is at the center of this accomplishment.

In 2006, youth activist, Sebastien Elkouby created this program to address the educational crisis that affects almost 50% of students in many major cities nationwide.  Elkouby says, “For a variety of reasons, many students feel completely disconnected from the traditional educational process and, ultimately, they give up.  This program helps students develop a sense of global awareness and critical thinking skills by using Hip Hop culture and Rap music to analyze pop culture, current events,  and social issues, while simultaneously teaching students language arts, history, social studies, and cultural diversity.  Hip Hop simply acts as a medium to help students find a renewed interest in learning.”

For the past 2 years, students have praised the program for its ability to affect their lives in ways no other classes have before.  Aaron, 15, says, “This class gives me a new outlook on life.” Mayra, 15, comments, “What I like most is that we got to learn about almost every subject.”  Brianna, 14, shares, “Now, I’ll try to be one of those people that encourages others to make the world a better place.”  “This is the class that changed how I live,” Adds 14 year old David M.  Aspiring rapper Raymond, 14, says, “This program showed me that Hip Hop wasn’t all about negative influences.  Now, I’ll be rapping about something that matters.” David E., 14, reveals, “At first I thought I was dumb and I couldn’t get good grades but this class gave me a lot of confidence and now I could achieve anything.” Annmarie, 12, who was a top student, states, “Everyone should be able to participate in such a life changing experience!” And when 12 year old Itzel was asked if this class had changed her, she boldly affirmed, “Yes, I used to be racist.”  Parents have echoed the sentiments of their children.  Eva Castillo says, “As a parent, I am very appreciative that my daughter is being exposed to this type of instruction.”

With the growing success of the program, many celebrities have stopped by to share words of inspiration while various schools have voiced their interest in offering the program to their students.  Elkouby says, “This is everything I could hope for as an educator.”

The Global Awareness through Hip Hop Culture course will be back in session at its current location September 2008 and is working toward expanding its reach to other schools for the 2008-2009 school year.