First Wave is the first and only full tuition hip-hop scholarship in the country.
Mission
To provide innovative, culturally relevant hip-hop art programs to inspire engagement, learning, and activism for diverse communities.
Administered by the Office of Multicultural Arts Initiatives (OMAI), the First Wave Learning Community is the first university program in the country centered on urban arts, spoken word and hip-hop culture.
FACTS
Over 40% of all First Wave students have already studied abroad in a multitude of countries. This includes study of film in Paris and cultural learning activities in Rio de Janeiro.
First Wave students are published authors, nationally renowned and internationally ranked poets, rappers making noise on the underground, and community organizers.
Events
Diversity Events
- January
- January 25Policy in Palimpsestic Time: Researching Education in the SouthLunch and Learn Talk by Rachel Williams1:00 PM, 159 Education Building
Also offered online - January 25MLK Symposium – An Evening with Nikole Hannah-JonesWisconsin Union Theater6:30 PM, Shannon Hall at Memorial Union, Memorial Union
OMAI Events
Just Bust Open Mic: Every first Friday of the month
Passing the Mic Festival: Fall Semester
Moonshine: Black History Month
Line Breaks Festival: Spring Semester National Poetry Month
Hip-Hop in the Heartland: Summer Teaching Institute