Hip-Hop icon Special Ed joins as a mentor in a fresh fellowship that blends MC-ing, beatmaking, and filmmaking with STEAM career paths.
With Power the Future, we are putting resources into the talent that already flourishes in our neighborhoods and linking it to the expertise, guidance, and chances required to build tomorrow’s workforce.”— Martha Diaz, President and CEO, Hip-Hop Education Center
On Tuesday, August 18, the Hip-Hop Education Center (HHEC) will officially debut the first group of Power the Future, a groundbreaking workforce development fellowship that trains nine young adults from across Brooklyn in Hip-Hop artistry while developing practical abilities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM). Created to equip the next wave of creative STEM leaders for the innovation economy, the fellowship marks a pioneering collaboration between HHEC and National Grid.
The public kickoff event, a live Hip-Hop cypher and community gathering, will run from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at the Central Library inside Brooklyn Public Library, assembling fellows, mentors, teachers, industry figures, and local residents to honor an innovative approach to workforce development grounded in culture, creativity, and resourcefulness.
The first cohort consists of nine fellows concentrating on MCing, Beatmaking, and Filmmaking. Throughout the coming year, participants will examine math through rhythm and beatmaking; science via soundwaves and acoustics; technology using MIDI controllers and digital audio workstations; engineering by constructing solar-powered USB chargers; and visual arts through the physics and chemistry of graffiti and aerosol design.
"Young people and young creatives have always been at the forefront of driving social change through Hip-Hop. This program continues that powerful legacy by equipping the next generation with the tools, relationships, and opportunities to create meaningful impact in their communities. I'm inspired by the creativity, vision, and leadership these young creatives bring, and I'm honored to support a groundbreaking program that centers hip-hop as a catalyst for learning, innovation, and community transformation."
— Dr. Justis Lopez
Senior Director of Teaching and Learning, Hip-Hop Education Center
Every fellow receives a Power Up Backpack, a mobile creative studio that includes an iPad Pro, headphones, a microphone, and Wi-Fi access, plus a two-year membership to Hip-Hop Communiversity, HHEC’s online learning platform where fellows can display their work, connect with guides, and grow professional networks. Participants will also gain mentorship from National Grid professionals and Hip-Hop legends throughout the fellowship.
"Partnering with the Hip-Hop Education Center places innovation at the intersection of arts and energy. Power the Future gives young people the tools, mentorship, and resources to lead as we reshape the energy landscape, empowering creative minds to deliver sustainability that is both effective and stylish—for the environment and for the innovation workforce."
— Dr. Robert Simmons III
Vice President, U.S. Social Impact and Community Engagement, National Grid
Executive Director, National Grid Foundation
The launch follows a multi-year partnership between HHEC and National Grid that started in August 2025 with a fireside chat featuring Hip-Hop pioneer MC Lyte, who shared her thoughts on involving kids when artistry is part of the equation. Power the Future is designed to serve opportunity youth and young adults ages 18 to 26 across Brooklyn neighborhoods, linking them to STEM, clean energy, digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and a route to careers in innovation. The event will also highlight Brooklyn Hip-Hop pioneer Special Ed as a mentor in the fellowship’s MC pathway. Born Edward Archer and raised in Flatbush—one of the very neighborhoods Power the Future serves—Special Ed became a standout of Hip-Hop’s Golden Era at just 17, when his 1989 debut album Youngest in Charge and its breakout single "I Got It Made" went gold and earned him a spot on his first national tour alongside Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Run-DMC, Queen Latifah, and Big Daddy Kane. The Source later named the album one of the 100 best rap albums ever made. Decades later, Special Ed has remained rooted in Brooklyn, mentoring the next wave of artists from his own studio, the same work he’ll bring to Power the Future fellows on August 18.
"Hip-Hop has always been a laboratory for innovation, creativity, and problem-solving. Through Power the Future, we're investing in the brilliance that already exists in our communities and connecting it to the skills, mentors, and opportunities needed to shape tomorrow's workforce. This fellowship isn't just preparing young people for careers—it is empowering them to become the artists, entrepreneurs, engineers, educators, and innovators who will lead the future."
— Martha Diaz
President & CEO, Hip-Hop Education Center
The evening will include speeches from Dr. Robert Simmons III, Vice President of U.S. Social Impact and Community Engagement at National Grid; Martha Diaz, President and CEO of the Hip-Hop Education Center; and Dr. Justis Lopez, HHEC’s Senior Director of Teaching and Learning. Guests will take part in an interactive opening led by Soul Science Lab, followed by live "Next Up" discussions pairing fellows with industry mentors.
Event Details
What: Power the Future: Hip-Hop Cypher & Fellowship Launch
When: Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 5:00 – 7:30 PM ET
Where: Central Library, Brooklyn Public Library, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn, NY 11238
Media RSVP:
UniQue Webster,
Director of Marketing & Communications,
Hip-Hop Education Center
| 917.745.4556 | unique.webster@hiphopeducation.org
About the Hip-Hop Education Center
The Hip-Hop Education Center is a field-building institution dedicated to advancing Hip-Hop-based education as a framework for learning, cultural preservation, leadership development, and economic opportunity. Founded by curator, archivist, and educator Martha Diaz, HHEC grew out of more than two decades of work at the intersection of Hip-Hop culture, education, media, and social change, and today serves as a hub connecting artists, educators, students, scholars, and innovators around the world. HHEC advances its mission through four core initiatives: research, advocacy, workforce development, and the creation of a living archive of Hip-Hop educational resources and history.
About National Grid
National Grid (NYSE: NGG) delivers electricity and natural gas to more than 20 million people across New York and Massachusetts. We’re committed to meeting our customers’ energy needs and supporting economic growth across the regions we serve, providing safe, reliable energy today and building the resilient networks of the future. National Grid Ventures, our commercial business, develops and operates infrastructure that delivers affordable and reliable energy to consumers. National Grid Partners, our corporate investment and innovation arm, invests in and collaborates with technology companies that are transforming the energy sector and accelerating industry-wide innovation.
UniQue Webster
Hip-Hop Education Center
+1 917-745-4556
unique.webster@hiphopeducationcenter.org
