This grassroots effort began when a few elementary school teachers in Huntington Park, California realized that because of cultural issues, limited access to post-secondary education opportunities and school district budget cuts, many of their students were not receiving the positive reinforcement that college was a possibility. They then teamed with Dr. Corina Espinoza, currently with the Nicholas Academic Centers and introduced a Kids on Campus program. This effort took middle school students on a field trip to college campuses around Southern California and partnered them with current college students to reinforce the concept of college and the possibilities that can be achieved with a college degree.
The expansion of their efforts, lead by 3rd grade teacher Rosa Lopez,to the forming of the Latino Green Project. This education and environmental initiative focuses on three main areas: 1) College Readiness for middle and high school students; 2) Community Environmental Involvement; and 3) Education resources which targets inner-city educators with standards-based curriculum promoting green careers.
With the Latino Green Project, middle and high schools students can receive valuable information on how to prepare for green careers, their communities can be educated on how to take charge of their environment and college is not just a concept, but a true reality, just like it was for Rosa Lopez.
Organization Mission
- College readiness support for middle and high school students
- Community environmental awareness and involvement
- Introduction to and preparation for green jobs and careers
Latino Green Project - An Education and Environment Initiative to empower Latinos to build sustainable communities through education and green practices
