The Nathan Cummings grant initiates the first national study of Hip-Hop-based education in public high schools, after-school programs and high learning institutions. The grant will officially launch the Hip-Hop Education Center for Research, Evaluation and Training.

Martha Diaz is a community organizer, educator, media producer, archivist, and social entrepreneur. Diaz has been dedicated to innovating communities, advancing social justice, and cultivating leaders through Hip-Hop culture. In 2009, while attending NYU's Gallatin School for Individualized Study, Diaz founded the H2ED Center in partnership with the Metro Center for Urban Education. Diaz joined the Metro Center back in the summer of 2008. She is one of Womens eNews distinguished 21 Leaders of the 21st Century for 2010.