Where Hip-Hop Meets STEM and Opportunity Becomes Real
Power the Future is a multi-year partnership between the Hip-Hop Education Center, National Grid, and the National Grid Foundation, designed to equip the next generation with the skills, tools, and pathways to lead in a rapidly changing world.
The Hip-Hop x STEM Fellowship is funded by National Grid. The Power the Future Hip-Hop x STEM Cypher and Fireside Chat in Syracuse is supported by the National Grid Foundation.
Built in Brooklyn. Designed to scale.
Year One: Building the Foundation
In its first year, Power the Future laid the groundwork for a transformative multi-year initiative.
15+Strategic Partners
5Curriculum Modules
50+Fellowship Applications
3Community Events
5K+Audience Engagement
From strategic planning and curriculum design to launching the Hip-Hop x STEM Fellowship and elevating national visibility through the Syracuse Hip-Hop x STEM Cypher, Year One set the stage for what comes next.
The Experience
More Than a Program. A Launchpad.
This is where culture, technology, and education come together in real time.
Participants don’t just learn, they build, create, and solve.
- Develop hands-on STEM skills through Hip-Hop culture
- Work with industry tools and real-world applications
- Learn from artists, technologists, and educators
- Build pathways into careers in energy, tech, and creative industries
STEM x Hip-Hop
A New Model for Learning
ScienceSoundwaves, acoustics, and the physics behind music and beatboxing.
TechnologyDigital Audio Workstations, MIDI controllers, and music production tools.
EngineeringDesigning and building sustainable, solar-powered mobile charging stations.
ArtsGraffiti, motion, and visual storytelling grounded in creative expression.
MathematicsRhythm, timing, and the structure behind beat-making and production.
Why It Works
Culture Drives Engagement. Engagement Drives Outcomes.
Traditional models often separate learning from lived experience.
Power the Future bridges that gap.
- Stronger engagement and retention
- Practical, real-world skills
- Confidence to pursue careers in emerging industries
- A clear connection between creativity and innovation
The Fellowship
Tools. Access. Opportunity.
The Fellowship is an 11-month paid workforce development program for 12 Fellows, ages 18 to 26, who are not currently in school or employed. Each Fellow receives a $3,000 stipend, a $3,500 technology kit, monthly transportation support, mentorship, field trips, industry exposure, and a spot in the final showcase.
The Power Up Backpack
A mobile creative studio including:
A mobile creative studio including:
- iPad Pro
- Magic Keyboard
- Headphones
- Mini microphone
- WiFi access
Designed to ensure digital equity and creative freedom.
Future Events & Activities
Power the Future shows up in the community year-round.
Here’s what’s coming.
Here’s what’s coming.
Power the Future:
Lunch & Learn
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST
National Grid Brooklyn HQ . Two Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY
Power the Future is our two-year initiative between the Hip-Hop Education
(HHEC), and National Grid: A culturally responsive Hip-Hop
fellowship designed to empower twelve at-promise young adults…
Power the Future:
Program Launch
Program Launch
Save the Date: August 11, 2026
Full Power the Future Program Launch
Community partner site + Fireside Chat
Impact & Vision
A Blueprint for What Education Can Be
This initiative represents a $250,000 investment in youth, innovation, and workforce equity supporting the development of future leaders across technology and energy sectors.But the goal is bigger than one cohort.
- Expand access to underserved communities
- Build sustainable workforce pipelines
- Create a replicable model for cities nationwide
Who It’s For
Creators. Innovators. Future Leaders.
Ages 18–26
Not currently in school or employed
Interested in music, tech, design, engineering, energy, or creative careers
See It For Yourself
Explore the work, the story, and the community impact.
View the Year One Report
Power the Future Hip-Hop x STEM Cypher + Fireside Chat (Syracuse)View Photo Gallery
Power the Future Hip-Hop x STEM Cypher + Fireside Chat (Syracuse)View Photo Gallery
Step Into the Future
This is more than education.
It’s access, opportunity, and transformation.
Special Thanks to Our Partners
Powering the Future would not be possible without the vision, leadership, and investment of our partners.
Together, we are creating new pathways to opportunity through Hip-Hop, STEM, workforce development, and community innovation.
Thank you to National Grid and the National Grid Foundation for supporting innovative pathways that connect culture, education, technology, and workforce development.