CIS Success Mentor Darren Jean Baptiste recently presented at Hip Hop Research & Activism Conference at Rutgers University. Along side the group Healotry, a non profit poetry organization, their workshop was “Reclaiming Agency Through Hip Hop, Art, and the New York Imagination”. It was an interactive workshop that uses Hip Hop culture as a powerful lens for self-expression, identity, and empowerment. Through guided discussion, lyrical analysis, and creative writing, participants explore how artists reclaim their narratives, challenge stereotypes, and assert their humanity—while developing their own voice through poetry and reflection. The session emphasizes “authentic intelligence” rooted in lived experience and creativity, encouraging young people to see themselves as both storytellers and change-makers.
Rooted in the cultural richness and lived experiences of the communities we serve, the workshop reflects the realities, creativity, and resilience of students in our partner schools, creating a space where their identities are affirmed and their voices are centered. By fostering self-awareness, critical thinking, and authentic expression, the session supports positive school culture and strengthens student engagement—contributing to more inclusive and supportive learning environments.
CIS is especially proud that Darren brings this work to life as one of our Success Mentors—demonstrating the impact of near-peer leadership in action. The CIS Success Mentor Program pairs young adults ages 18–25, many of whom are recent graduates of CIS partner schools, with high-need students to improve attendance, build connection, and open pathways to academic and career success. Success Mentors conduct daily check-ins, provide academic coaching, facilitate family outreach, and help students navigate challenges ranging from chronic absenteeism to college readiness. Through this role, Success Mentors not only uplift and inspire students, but also grow alongside them—deepening their own skills, confidence, and professional development as they continue to learn within the CIS community.
