Lead Entity(ies): Developed by Urban Semillas in partnership with Anahuak

Project Description: A set of environmental workshops that targets minority and underserved high school students.  The topic of watersheds can be a difficult subject to comprehend.  In order to engage our communities we must use a topic that everyone is familiar with.  We chose water (Agua).  By using a domestic topic like water, we can much easily start to make the connections it has in our everyday lives.  We can start to understand the connections and the importance of this precious resource.  And we can start to take action towards its protection and conservation.

Agua University recognizes that our present youth will become our future decision makers.  This is why we have set out to educate and motivate the youth in our communities through a set of environmental workshops with a thematic emphasis on water.

Students are exposed to topics that explain the basics of water, its science and our connection to it (watersheds), as well as how our everyday local actions have an impact in other areas.  They learn how the management of stressors and resources can either be beneficial or detrimental to a system (watershed management) but more importantly, they are taught the tools to make a difference in their community. 

2007 Achievements

August 2007 – 25 students from the Cypress park community graduate from Agua University.  Students received certificates from the office of First District, City of Los Angeles Councilmember Ed Reyes.

September 2007 – Agua University and students receive recognition from Los Angeles City Council and the Mayor for their participation and initiative to make change.

November 9th – 33 Local students from 11 different high schools throughout the Cities of Los Angeles and San Fernando received certificates of completion from the office of Honorable State Senator Alex Padilla and Agua University. The most important achievement however, comes without a certificate or recognition.  It comes in the form of knowing that our future (our children) our empowered and competent to be part of a dialogue that will impact them.

August 2008 - 15 students ranging in ages from 11- 23 participate in a 2-week camping trip to find out where their water originates from to their city of Los Angeles.  They travel to the McCloud River to spend time with the Winemmem Wintu Tribe; visit the American River, Origins of the state Water; pass through Yosemite National Park; Le Vining and Mono Lake.