Leonardo DiCaprio, the renowned actor and environmental activist, is funding scholarships and a climate education program at the UCLA Lab School in California, where he was once a scholarship student himself. The scholarships and Climate Justice Education Program are set to commence in the upcoming school year.
DiCaprio expressed his gratitude towards UCLA donors in enabling him to attend the Lab School, stating that it profoundly transformed his worldview. He aims to pass on his experience and ensure that future generations do not miss out on this opportunity. The program aims to guide the next generation of climate activists and warriors.
The UCLA Lab School focuses on providing innovative educational techniques to its students, ranging from 4 to 12 years old. It also allows outside teachers to study these techniques. DiCaprio’s scholarship fund will assist students who require financial aid, ensuring diversity within the school. Currently, approximately 40% of students rely on financial assistance.
The separate climate education program will educate students from pre-Kindergarten to sixth grade about the science, policy, and leadership required to address climate change. The school’s location near a creek amidst redwoods on the UCLA campus provides an ideal hands-on site for environmental teaching.
With a longstanding dedication to addressing the climate crisis, DiCaprio’s program aims to position children, both at the Lab School and beyond, for a sustainable and healthy future for themselves and the planet.
The specific amount of donation for these programs was not disclosed, but officials stated that multiple generations of students will benefit.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block emphasized the importance of expanding access to high-quality education and fostering an understanding of the need to protect the planet. DiCaprio’s contribution aligns with these critical goals.
Leonardo DiCaprio, famous for his roles in films like Titanic, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, The Revenant, and The Departed, will next star in Killers of the Flower Moon, directed by his frequent collaborator Martin Scorsese.
By supporting scholarships and a climate education program, DiCaprio continues his efforts to make a tangible impact on environmental education and create a brighter future for the next generation. His dedication and contributions serve as an inspiration to others, and his involvement in these programs will undoubtedly shape the lives of many students at the UCLA Lab School.
