After-school program makes learning fun through hip-hop. Why is it criticized?
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- School Yard Rap partners with schools to deliver hip-hop expanded learning programs.
- Proposal lists R.A.P. camp and an affinity camp; district says open to all students.
- Controversy centers on race-based affinity groups; federal guidance permits with limits.
At the end of March, the Merced City School District landed in national headlines for its partnership with Fresno-based after-school program School Yard Rap. The coverage alleged that the program was exclusively for Black students — a claim that School Yard Rap and district officials said is not true.
The program is what in California is considered an expanded learning opportunities program, meaning its curriculum supplements regular classes and takes place before and after school, between classes and over the summer break.
According to the California Department of Education website, ELOPs “focus on developing the academic, social, emotional and physical needs and interests of pupils through hands-on, engaging learning experiences.”
School Yard Rap was founded by Brandon “Griot B” Brown, who worked as an educator in Richmond prior to starting the program.
It has provided services to many school districts in the state, including the Central Unified School District in Fresno, Stockton Unified School District and Berkeley Unified School District.
A partnership proposal submitted by School Yard Rap to the Merced City School District in December shows the program offered five services to the district: site assemblies, live concerts, access to the School Yard Rap TV show digital library, educational cultural arts field trips, the R.A.P “Realizing Artistic Potential” camp, and affinity group camps.
Learning Objectives
In its proposal to the Merced City School District in December, School Yard Rap outlined what is included in each of its services and goals for students who participate.
R.A.P. Camp
The “R.A.P. Camp” — short for “Realizing Artistic Potential” Camp — is described as developing “students’ capacity for connectivity, advocacy, and community,” and notes that “students will be able to learn various skill sets in hip-hop/rap, DJing, production, dance and more.”
During the camp, which was scheduled for four hours each day during the school’s summer session, students are instructed to choose a “major,” which they work on with professional artists and educators. The culmination of the program is a showcase where students perform for their classmates, families and community.
SYR’s proposal identifies the following opportunities for students to develop both academic and social skills during the course of the camp:
- Develop Creative Confidence: Use rap, poetry and rhythm as tools for communication, self-expression and storytelling.
- Learn Artistic Skills: Receive professional training from SYR specialists in DJing, hip-hop dance, songwriting, art and stage presence.
- Compose and Record Original Songs: Work collaboratively to write lyrics, produce beats and record tracks that reflect student-selected themes.
- Experience Studio Production: Gain exposure to the music production process in a professional recording environment.
- Perform for Families and Community: Showcase their talents in a culminating performance, celebrating creativity, confidence and collective achievement.
The Merced Sun-Star contacted the Merced City School District with questions about the learning objectives for students in SYR programs.
Dominique Zuniga, MCSD’s communications director, did not answer any questions but provided the following statement: “Merced City School District proudly supports the partnership with contracted vendor School Yard Rap, who foster a unique approach to education by engaging students through music, media, interactive assemblies and much more. The camps are advertised and open to all 3rd through 8th grade students across Merced City School District.”
To understand the education goals of School Yard Rap’s programming, the Sun-Star has requested copies of the contracts between the vendor and the school district, under the California Public Records Act.
Affinity Groups
The other type of camps that School Yard Rap offers are its affinity-based groups. In its proposal to MCSD , SYR described affinity groups as “intentional spaces to connect around shared identity, lived experiences, and or interests. These groups are designed to foster belonging, self-expression, and leadership while helping students build social-emotional skills and resilience.”
The proposal outlines bringing the group’s “African American Affinity (AAA) Camp” to MCSD. The camp offers many of the same opportunities for student development as the R.A.P. camp, with a focus on “personal stories, heritage, and the role of African American culture in shaping resilience and creativity.”
While the proposal states that the program is open to “100 African-American students,” the Merced City School District clarified that the program is open to all students.
Affinity groups have been a contentious legal issue, particularly since the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action in 2023.
However, federal guidance from President Joe Biden’s administration later that year allows affinity groups in educational settings, with the caveat that admission or exclusion to a group likely cannot be based on a protected identity category such as race, gender, or religion.
The Merced Sun-Star reached out to School Yard Rap for comment but has not yet received a response.
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
