Renowned actor Leonardo DiCaprio has announced his commitment to funding scholarships and a climate education program at UCLA Lab School, the elementary school he attended as a scholarship student. The initiative, encompassing the Leonardo DiCaprio Scholarship fund and the Climate Justice Education Program, is slated to commence in the upcoming academic year.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunities afforded to him by UCLA donors, DiCaprio emphasized the transformative impact of his experience at the Lab School. He conveyed his pride in facilitating similar opportunities for future generations and contributing to a program aimed at nurturing “climate warriors.”
UCLA Lab School, catering to students aged 4 to 12, focuses on innovative educational methodologies, serving as a model for educators. DiCaprio's scholarship fund will provide financial aid to students in need, mirroring the support he received during his time at the school in the 1980s, and will help maintain the school's diversity. Currently, approximately 40% of the student body requires financial assistance.
Dr. Eric Esrailian, a UCLA Health Sciences professor and a close friend of DiCaprio, highlighted the significance of the scholarship fund in providing access to quality education. The distinct climate education program will educate students from pre-K through sixth grade about climate change science, policy, and leadership. Leveraging its unique location near a creek and redwood trees on the UCLA campus, the school aims to provide hands-on environmental learning experiences.
A long-time advocate for climate action, the 48-year-old DiCaprio's commitment to environmental education aligns with his broader advocacy efforts. Esrailian expressed confidence that the program will empower students at the Lab School and beyond to embrace a more sustainable future.
While the donation amount remains undisclosed, officials confirmed that the programs are designed to benefit generations of students. UCLA Chancellor Gene Block underscored the importance of expanding access to education and fostering environmental awareness among young people. DiCaprio, known for his roles in acclaimed films such as “Titanic,” “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,” “The Revenant,” and “The Departed,” will next be seen in Martin Scorsese's “Killers of the Flower Moon.”
