Promoting Diversity and Inspiring the Next Generation of Climate Leaders
Leonardo DiCaprio and UCLA Lab School have announced the establishment of the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship Fund and a groundbreaking climate education program for students from Pre-K to Sixth grade. The program is set to launch before the 2023-2024 school year starts.
The Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship Fund aims to provide tuition assistance to families associated with UCLA Lab School.
The fund is endowed to ensure ongoing support and is crucial for maintaining the diversity of the student population for future generations. Simultaneously, the climate education program will inspire and educate young students about the importance of protecting the planet.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block expressed gratitude for the partnership, stating, “We are honored to collaborate with Leonardo DiCaprio in support of UCLA Lab School. Increasing access to high-quality education and fostering environmental awareness among young individuals are critical objectives for our institution. We sincerely appreciate Mr. DiCaprio’s contribution to the Lab School.”
Leonardo DiCaprio, an esteemed alumnus of UCLA Lab School, shared his personal connection to the institution, saying, “I was fortunate enough to attend the Lab School thanks to the generous support of UCLA donors, and it profoundly shaped my worldview. I am proud to share my experience with those who might otherwise miss out on this opportunity and to help create a program that will guide the next generation of climate warriors.”
DiCaprio, recognized for his acting, environmental advocacy, and philanthropy, has established long-lasting relationships with influential thought leaders. He is actively engaged in addressing pressing global issues such as climate change, clean water access, biodiversity preservation, conservation, and disaster relief. His commitment to organizations and initiatives focused on securing a sustainable future for the planet has garnered immense respect.
UCLA Lab School is renowned worldwide for its progressive teaching methods and unique programs that bring learning to life through arts, STEM, and socio-emotional development. As an elementary education research and innovation hub, the school’s student body must reflect California’s ethnic, cultural, and socio-economic diversity. Financial aid is required for approximately 40% of UCLA Lab School families, and the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship Fund will provide access to these families, ensuring a rich and diverse student population.
The Climate Justice Education Program will offer hands-on learning experiences to students, connecting them with nature and fostering knowledge of sustainable gardening and healthy eating. This program will serve as a model for “green schools,” guiding the development of similar initiatives at local, national, and global levels.
Situated on the UCLA campus, UCLA Lab School is surrounded by the natural beauty of Stone Canyon Creek and a redwood forest, making it an ideal location for environmental education projects. Educators worldwide visit the school annually to observe and learn from UCLA Lab School’s demonstration teachers, incorporating these models and practices into their classrooms.
Dr. Eric Esrailian, a UCLA faculty member, co-chair of the UCLA Second Century Council, and a long-time friend of Mr. DiCaprio emphasized the lasting impact of the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship Fund, stating, “This scholarship fund will benefit UCLA Lab School for generations to come. It will provide numerous children with access to UCLA Lab School, as Leo had, while the Climate Justice Education Program will equip children—both within and beyond the Lab School—with the knowledge needed for a sustainable and healthy life, both personally and for the planet.”
UCLA Lab School Assistant Principal Renata Christina Gusmão-Garcia Williams expressed gratitude for the opportunity, stating, “This program will serve as a starting point to teach young children the immense value of taking care of their planet, communities, and themselves. Connecting with nature also contributes to children’s mental well-being. We are incredibly thankful to Mr. DiCaprio, a distinguished alumnus of UCLA Lab School, for his generosity in creating this opportunity for our students. We eagerly anticipate the development of a new generation of environmental champions.”
Tina Christie, the UCLA Wasserman Dean of the School of Education and Information Studies remarked, “Mr. DiCaprio’s generous gift will enable many children to have experiences similar to his early years at UCLA Lab School. Additionally, the UCLA Lab School Climate Justice Education Program holds promise as a model for future schools, as we strategically consider environmental education and lessons in healthy living as essential components of our PreK–12 experiential learning mission.”
Founded in 1882 as a training site for the State Normal School, which prepared teachers for the growing Los Angeles community, UCLA Lab School became the Southern Campus of the University of California in 1919, eventually evolving into UCLA. The Lab School has always played a vital role in UCLA’s mission to innovate elementary education, incorporating research into practice. It actively collaborates with educators globally, sharing new knowledge and innovative approaches. Above all, UCLA Lab School nurtures children’s inherent love of learning and encourages respectful collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds.
