Leonardo DiCaprio returned to his childhood school on 11 July 2023 to launch new scholarships and a climate education programme. The actor said he was "proud to help create a programme that will guide the next generation of climate warriors." These initiatives support students ahead of the 2023–24 school year.
PC: wikipedia/UCLA Newsroom
Leonardo DiCaprio has returned to the school where he studied as a child, announcing scholarships and a climate education programme for its students. On 11 July 2023, the Academy Award–winning actor and the UCLA Lab School, located on the UCLA campus, announced the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship Fund and a climate education programme for pupils from pre-K through sixth grade, both launching ahead of the 2023–24 school year. According to the UCLA Newsroom, the fund will help provide financial aid to students in need, while the Climate Justice Education Program will teach students how to protect the planet through hands-on learning.
Why does the school need financial aid to support student diversity
The fund will help provide financial aid to students in need. Around 40% of families at the school require financial assistance. The school serves as a research and innovation site for elementary education. School leaders said it is therefore important for the student body to reflect the ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of California, and that the scholarship fund will help ensure this diversity. The second initiative is the Climate Justice Education Program, aimed at students from pre-K through sixth grade. It will teach students how to protect the planet through hands-on learning. The programme seeks to inspire the next generation of climate leaders. DiCaprio said he was proud to help create a programme that will guide the next generation of climate warriors and pass on his experience to those who might otherwise miss out.
Why did UCLA thank Leonardo DiCaprio for supporting its Lab School
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said the university was honoured to partner with DiCaprio in support of the Lab School. He described expanding access to high-quality education and helping young people recognise the need to protect the planet as critical goals for the institution. He also said the university was deeply grateful to DiCaprio for giving back to the school. DiCaprio has long been involved in projects related to climate change, access to clean water, biodiversity protection, conservation, and disaster relief. It says he has also supported organisations and initiatives dedicated to securing a sustainable future.