Hip hop is — growth.
Youth Excellence Program
Show up as you are. Imagine how much those five simple words could change your day as you walk into a room, across a park, or out of a convenience store where you’re not always welcome, seen, or safe. Hip Hop is Green’s Youth Excellence Program (YEP) is a curriculum that provides a safe space for young Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) nationwide. YEP is the first-ever, climate change educational program of its kind that provides interactive learning about plant-based food and more.
YEP combines the authentic, transformative genesis of hip hop with the power of climate change education, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) learning, green career readiness, and food justice. Unlike many youth programs, we believe excellence means empowering everyone’s authentic selves by making the planet healthier, too. Healthier people and communities also, in turn, transform hip hop culture into a safe space for healing, women empowerment, and revolutionary change against systemic racism.
The Youth Excellence Program changed my perspective on climate change and gave me the tools to make a real difference in my community.
pounds of chemicals and pesticides sprayed on our soil every year
of our farmland is used to raise animals in the US
of farmable soil left on earth
Climate Changemakers
Our climate changemakers leave our Youth Excellence Program (YEP) transformed — with a sustainable, lifelong impact that includes empowered self-worth, a supportive community of friends and mentors, and action they can develop in their communities that’s rooted in authentic lived experience. YEP currently runs in Seattle and next, we will expand to New York City. The goal is to replicate this model of learning in public schools and communities across America. Join the movement.
Our climate changemakers leave YEP transformed — with a sustainable, lifelong impact that includes empowered self-worth, a supportive community of friends and mentors, and action they can develop in their communities that’s rooted in authentic lived experience. YEP currently runs in Seattle and will expand to New York City. The goal is to replicate this model of learning in public schools and communities across America. Join the movement.
Empower Healing
We meet young people where they are on their personal journeys. One changemaker vividly described the impact of nature on mental health, while another said she just enjoyed learning and “being with people.” With the CDC reporting that 63% of young adults suffered significant loneliness, anxiety, and depression in the years since the pandemic — and even deeper impact on young adults from BIPOC communities — connecting them with a community of friends, positivity, and goals is paramount. We use hip hop culture to build these connections, encourage personal growth, and empower healing as YEP learners navigate feelings of hopelessness stemming from oppressive systems.
YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
MAKE A $20 MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION TO HELP US REACH OUR GOALS FOR ALL OF OUR INITIATIVES.
