Aarón Díaz Teams Up With AdelanTECH To Help Farming Communities Get Nanodegrees

When he's not working in telenovelas or traveling the world with his family, Aaron Diaz can be found raising awareness on education. On a recent venture, Diaz, who starred in Telemundo's "Tierra de Reyes," has teamed up with AdelanTECH, which aims to bring STEM education into rural farming communities, to help farm workers get nanodegrees.

"I’m very grateful for where I am in my career, but like most of us, I didn’t do it on my own. The best mentors, family, a solid education and a network of support helped me achieve my goals. And, I’m still aiming higher," Diaz expressed in an op-ed where he pens his connection to the students. "No matter what field you are in, hard work is key. Learning about 12 motivated young leaders from the Salinas farming community in California has inspired me," he added.

The 34-year-old Mexican actor, who was born in Mexico and is of Irish-American descent, opened up about future opportunities beyond the fields and into the technology industry. "When it comes to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM fields), our young people need all the help they can get. AdelanTECH is providing that help and building a bridge between the farmlands of Salinas and innovation in Silicon Valley," he expressed of the leadership program that is providing rural learners with the tools they need to break into the science, technology, enginieering and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Fellows of the program, which is co-created and funded by AT&T in collaboration with United Farm Workers, CORO Northern California and Udacity, are spending a full year earning a Nanodegree credential from Udacity and developing their leadership skills in monthly sessions from CORO. The first class of AdelanTECH Fellows will soon graduate.

"I have 2 daughters. Like all parents, I want them to succeed. I want them to know that they can achieve any goal they set. As I invest in their future, it thrills me to see a company like AT&T investing in communities like Salinas and opening doors for tomorrow’s leaders," he concluded in the op-ed.