wHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

"LUPA is a unique opportunity [for] empowering Coachella Valley High School students to address major health needs they observe in their community."
-Luz Aceves, HealthCorps Coordinator at Coachella Valley High School 

"Teaching students to conduct an analysis of community projects through land use awareness empowers students to be powerful advocates in their communities. This project gave the youth an opportunity to be leaders and demonstrate their capacity to make an impact in the city they call home. I hope youth everywhere feel inspired and empowered to make positive changes in their respective communities."
- Anayeli Zavala, HealthCorps Coordinator at NOVA Academy Early College High School 

"[Through] the work that our students have done by exploring the community, asking questions and sharing their ideas, they have developed an understanding of how important their community involvement is.  Their voices have become stronger and louder and they have found how to effectively be heard.  I have seen a huge growth of confidence and leadership in each of these students. They have found a niche for themselves and have grown comfortable with their voice and place in the community.  These are the skills that will assist them in growing and being successful in both college and career."
-Lisa Hernandez, Principal, NOVA Academy Early College High School

"I am pleased to see my students’ new awareness on the subject of community and the impact land use makes on that community.  Since working with LUPA, the students have become more civic-minded.  They can now easily recognize the environmental, social, and ecological impact when a general plan is introduced.  And, they can make informed decisions and influence others on the matter."
-Dr. Margaret K. Long , Director, Visual & Performing Arts Department, Coachella Valley High School