Linking Students to Latino Heritage Through Archaeology

The Linking Hispanic Heritage Through Archeology (LHHTA) Program is a partnership between the National Park Service (NPS) (USA), the University of Arizona, and the Environmental Education Exchange that aims to change Latino communities’ historically low engagement with the NPS. Archaeology provides a ‘hook’ for young people to explore and connect with national parks and Hispanic heritage in the American Southwest, engage in outdoor recreation, and learn about employment with the NPS. To do this, students and teachers participate in a variety of archaeological activities in the field, laboratory, and local museums. Participants also use modern technology to document their experiences and create videos for the public. The NPS and its partners are already seeing the programme's impact, including participants taking their families to parks, and becoming NPS interns.