Renaissance Launches Nationwide Flocabulary Rap Contest to Inspire Student Creativity

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Renaissance, a global leader in pre-K–12 education technology, has launched a nationwide Flocabulary Student Voice Rap Contest, encouraging students to research, write, and perform original raps about historical figures who inspire them. The contest merges creativity, literacy, and music, using Hip Hop to help students connect with history in a powerful, modern way.

Through the popular Flocabulary platform, students will create at least 16 bars that showcase what they’ve learned about their chosen historical figure. The contest is open to all grade levels, with two categories: grades K–5 and grades 6–12. Two winners will have their raps turned into official Flocabulary videos and lessons, which will be shared with more than 20,000 schools nationwide in April 2026 during National Poetry Month.

"The lyricism in hip-hop is incredible for helping students engage with curriculum and become stronger writers," said Dr. Mervin Jenkins, Director and Solutions Consultant at Renaissance. "This music genre relies on many of the techniques common in poetry, and it's created to tell stories, evoke emotions, and share perspectives about the world. Music opens doors and helps people connect, and I can't wait to see and to celebrate students' creativity."

Flocabulary, part of the Renaissance learning ecosystem, blends rap and storytelling to teach academic concepts and strengthen vocabulary across subjects. The platform features over 1,300 standards-aligned lessons designed to make learning memorable through rhythm, rhyme, and visual storytelling.

Past student winners have already demonstrated how Hip Hop can transform education.
In 2023, California elementary student Isabella V. honored Sojourner Truth through lyrics celebrating courage and justice. In 2024, Ohio high schooler Alaina S. told the story of Grace Fryer, the “Radium Girl” who fought for workers’ rights, proving that historical storytelling and rhyme can coexist powerfully.

Entries for the 2025 Flocabulary Student Voice Rap Contest are open until November 30, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The winners’ lyrics will be professionally produced into engaging educational content that will inspire and educate classrooms across America.

To learn more or submit an entry, visit Flocabulary’s official contest page.

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