Earth Systems Science, Inc.

Cultural Diversity---Alive and Well at Sequoia NP

Nov 09, 2002

During a recent trip to Sequoia National Park, some members of the Los Angeles Community Partners and T.H.E.F.L.A.B.A. (the LACP Youth Council group) enjoyed eating a meal with chopsticks! Ethnic diversity characterized this unique Geography Field Methods class (in alphabetical order; African-American, Chinese-American, Italian-American, Mexican-American, and Thai among others).

The Geography class is a college course available to LACP members and the public. It is an excellent way for outdoor edcuators to learn and experience natural science. Many of the lesson modules for this college course were adapted for use in the LACP Jr. Ranger pilot program and contributed to its success. Both the course and the pilot program integrate job skills and practical hands-on field training that prepare people for entry level outdoor jobs. This made the class and the pilot program a perfect match for the NPCA Cultural Diversity program.

In the past, the Geography Field Methods class served as a vehicle for the first time college enrollment of some of the youth involved in the LACP Jr. Ranger Pilot program. Those youth are now active leaders in T.H.E.F.L.A.B.A. (the LACP Youth Council). Others trained through this course are or soon will be actively engaged in the Expo Neighbors Public Land Corps (PLC) grants with the Santa Monica Mountains NRA and Manzanar NHS.
ESSI is supporting these activities by adapting academic lesson modules to hands-on field training needed for these projects.

ESSI and T.H.E.F.L.A.B.A. are interested in sharing their knowledge and skills to help other NPCA Partners replicate these successful diversity programs. (See the "Our Info" section in the green side bar on this page. Click on "Contact Us" for more information.)

The Geography Field Methods class will be offered for the Spring 2003 term. Plans are to focus on Death Valley National Park.

FFI: Prof. G.K. Lee, 626 585-7344; gklee@pasadena.edu