Borough President Gibson Announces Funding for the First-Ever Bronx Sc
JOSH MOCK
Borough President Gibson Announces Funding for the First-Ever Bronx School of Hip Hop on the First Day of School
The Bronx School of Hip Hop is beginning its first academic year with a major technology investment designed to connect traditional education with the culture and creative industries that originated in the borough. Bronx Borough President Vanessa Gibson allocated $350,000 for media and classroom equipment, including computers, tablets and cameras. The new public high school at 1600 Webster Avenue launches with ninth grade and is expected to expand to grades 9–12, ultimately serving about 500 students. Its academic model incorporates hip hop across subjects while exposing students to areas such as audio engineering, media production and other career-oriented skills.
Borough President Gibson Announces Funding for the First-Ever Bronx School of Hip Hop on the First Day of School
Bronx, NY – Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson joined Bronx School of Hip Hop Principal Jason Reyes and school leaders on the first day of school for New York City Public Schools to announce a $350,000 allocation to the first-ever Bronx School of Hip Hop. The funding is for Mobile Media Carts Equipped with Cameras, Microscopes, Laptop Computers, Tablets, and other equipment meant to prepare the inaugural class for a curriculum rooted in creativity and academic excellence, with a focus on the five elements of hip hop: Emceeing, DJing, Graffiti, Breaking, and Knowledge of Self.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to allocate $350,000 to the Bronx School of Hip Hop for technology that will expand our scholars` critical thinking skills, help them excel academically, and prepare them for a future career in the Hip Hop industry," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson.
As the borough that proudly proclaims itself the birthplace of hip hop and soon will be home to the first-ever Hip Hop Museum, also with support from the Borough President, the Bronx School of Hip Hop exemplifies the Borough President`s commitment to positioning the Bronx as a leader in culturally responsive public education, preserving and elevating hip hop’s lasting impact on the Bronx, and to preparing the next generation to pursue careers in this world-changing genre.
"The opening of the Bronx School of Hip Hop represents our commitment to expanding access to creative pathways for our youth, strengthening our scholars` entrepreneurial skills, and honoring the enduring legacy and impact of hip hop on our borough," said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. "When the inaugural freshman class walks through these hallways, my hope is that they remember they have the power to create something new and the courage to fully immerse themselves in a global genre that continues to shape music, culture, language, fashion, and activism in our borough and beyond. I want to thank Principal Jason Reyes, Dr. Meisha Ross Porter, Superintendent Harry Sherman, Superintendent Carl Manalo, our hip-hip pioneers, and everyone else who has played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life."
The Borough President's $350,000 allocation is one of many investments she has made in Bronx schools during her tenure. For Fiscal Year 2027, over $35 million, or 63% of her capital budget, was allocated to schools, and during her first term, over $90 million was allocated to technology, school infrastructure upgrades, and other projects to support students' learning and academic success.
Source: Submitted by Bronx Borough President, Vanessa Gibson's Office
