History

Officially launched in June 2010 under the auspices of the Metropolitan Center for Urban Education at New York University, and a generous donation from the Nathan Cummings Foundation, H2ED Center evolved from the H2ED initiative developed by Martha Diaz at the Hip-Hop Association -- a 501(C)(3) Union Square Arts Award winning non-profit community building organization founded by Martha in 2002. As a Gallatin Graduate student and Catherine B. Reynolds Foundation Fellow, Martha partnered with Dr. Pedro Noguera at the Metropolitan Center to help establish standards and best practices, and professionalize the field of Hip-Hop and Education. Dr. Edward Fergus, Metro staff members, advisory board members, Reynolds Program, and the Stern Business School have been instrumental in advocating and supporting the development of the H2ED Center.