Hispanic youth from low socio-economic backgrounds represent an increasingly large percentage of students in the U.S.  They are unfortunately an underrepresented group among those who study and pursue careers in STEM fields.

NLA has received funding from the Federal Department of Education through the Department of Community Technology Opportunities Program (CTOP) for three separate programs (2-3 years) and the GEAR UP Program for four separate multi-year grants.  From the state of Washington, NLA has received funding for seven five-year 21st Century Programs as fiscal agent or partner to a school district, and also funding from the Washington State Arts Commission for the Wallace Foundation.