GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum music producer Dr. Kevin “Khao” Cates pushed pause at the height of his music career in 2008 to create a 501c3 organization that creates engaging educational material for at-risk K-12 students. In light of schools having to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Cates has converted his school-based learning to online-based learning as a way to help students stay on track with their studies along with keeping their mental health on track.
The two programs – Bridge Da Gap and KOOLriculum – are already embedded into hundreds of schools across the U.S. and the Bahamas.
Bridge DA Gap – Geared for 6th-12th graders, this program utilizes music to provide solutions for youth through music, education and other resources by combining hip-hop music, education and mentoring. Bridge Da Gap addresses issues such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, the loss of loved ones and violence. As well as helping opening and establishing lines of communications between the parents and their children. Bridge Da Gap is taught via video by actress and board member Meagan Good and Cates. The program has gained numerous notable endorsements from individuals such as Dr. Ben Carson, Kevin Hart, Ludacris, Nipsey Hustle, Queen Naija, John Paul DeJoria, Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz and Gabrielle Union among others.
KOOLriculum – Geared for pre-K-12th graders, this program is an innovative, technology-driven curricular approach that teaches core English, math, science and social studies to K-12 students. All of the songs follow standards and grade requirements. There is also an online program for pre-K children to learn phonics and numbers quickly and properly. KOOLriculum consists of more than 600 songs and videos that teach math, science, social studies, and ELA through hip hop music aligned to common core, national, and state standards. Students are able to login, select their grade level, subject and search for topics that they have to learn.
“As a father of three students, I know firsthand that the Coronavirus has made schooling difficult right now for students of all ages and their parents; however, it’s my hope that students will maximize their time at home to focus on learning important school subjects and life lessons,” said Cates. “I believe that the KOOLriculum can serve as an amazing online resource for younger students to remain on the right path with their core curriculum, while Bridge Da Gap helps older students stay mentally fit and on track during this uncertain time.”
Cates has sold more than 30 million records and is known for revolutionary tracks from the likes of T.I., Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, Rick Ross, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Lil’ Wayne and many more.
They are now both available for online subscriptions at $14.99 a month for homework assistance and edutainment. For more information about Bridge DA Gap, please visit www.bridgedagap.com. For more information about KOOLriculum, please visit www.KOOLriculum.com.