Program Layout
All lesson plans are designed for middle school and high students, ethnically mixed, and in an inner-city setting. These curriculums are literacy based and highly challenging to improve writing, reading, and critical thinking. The idea is to build a base for success when taking the High School Exit Exam and the Writing Section of the SAT (two types of questions; 1. an essay question, to be written in 25 minutes, and 2. multiple-choice questions) as well as the Critical Reading Section (three types of questions; 1. sentence completion, 2. long reading passage, and 3. short reading passages).

When instituted in middle school the lesson plans are equally arduous for students to better prepare them for high school. When introduced to high school the lessons plans are introduced in “training camp” like atmosphere to underline a sense of urgency in students. We believe that there is more than one way to approach preparation, education, and outreach, we choose life and we choose Hip-Hop as our tool to begin the rebuilding in our communities!

Lessons are for a class setting - during, before, or after-school - with an approximate running time of 90 minutes per day. Lesson plans include homework assignments and class participation. Students will be required to provide us with weekly Progress Reports detailing class (core school classes) progress. When necessary, meetings with student’s teachers may be requested to discuss and deal with behavioral challenges.

Course description
This course will develop students’ vocabulary, reading comprehension, study habits, essay development and test preparation skills while exploring the various areas of Hip-Hop Culture. We will explore the multiple dynamics that exist in this musical genre. Considering the substantial psychological and social influence Hip-Hop has had on the youth and the world, it is a great educational tool for youth in any classroom.

Purpose
To create an alternative for students to improve educational standards and requirements by exposing students to the beauty and way of life within the Hip-Hop culture, and what it offers through its true essence. We will explore many of the basic elements of Hip-Hop: Fashion, Break-dancing, MCing, Dee Jaying, Graffiti, Spoken Word, Poetry, and Storytelling. By studying and examining this musical genre, it is our hope that we shed positive insight on this American cultural expression while at the same time providing an opportunity for students in at-risk environments to reach and exceed their academic requirements.

Estimated Length
Varies upon type of program desired.