Why an Academy?

Do you remember when you first got excited about learning?  The name of the teacher?  The subject?  Today the answer for far too many youth is “I never got excited about learning.”  The Staff of Words Beats and Life, most of whom have at least a bachelor’s degree, understand how “The Golden Era of Hip-Hop” introduced them to leaders from the past, education, entrepreneurialism and culture in ways that school never did.

We understand how culture generally, and hip-hop culture specifically, has the power to open up unexplored possibilities for youth.  Participating in an Urban Arts Academy becomes a “signpost moment,” a point in time that marks change, that a student can look back upon and see the connection between our curriculum and changes in how they see themselves and their individual/collective ability.

Locations
Benning Park Recreation Center
53rd and Fitch St. SE
Washington DC 20036

St. Stephens Church Ground Floor 1525 Newton St NW Washington DC 20010