Statistics currently show that only 8% of the Latino population in the United States pursue careers in science, engineering, math and technology. But in Stockton, a new school is inspiring Latino youth to go after these STEM careers. El Concilio, a nonprofit community-based organization that provides a range of services to the Hispanic population in the Central Valley, recently opened Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez Academy.This new school — and the hometown hero — are motivating kids in underserved communities to reach for the stars. Inside the classrooms at Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez Academy in Stockton, students are learning about outer space."It takes so long to get to space. It's dark, and you can't see anything," one student said.The K-8 elementary school started classes this fall, operating out of a church campus on East Swain Road in Stockton. Officials with El Concilio said they named this charter school after the Stockton astronaut to change lives. "I think it's very important to have schools named after successful people of color because I think it empowers the kids... once they learn who the school is named after and they learn my history, the fact that I came from humble beginnings here in the community, it's going to empower them to believe that, 'Hey if he was able to do, it why can't I,'" Jose Hernandez said. Hernandez didn't give up on his dreams, even after being turned down by NASA 11 times.On his 12th attempt, he finally made it to space."I always tell kids that don't be afraid to dream big but always be willing to work hard for it," Hernandez said. Students said the astronaut's connection to the school has them more excited about learning."It tells me that you have to keep trying no matter what you do. Just keep pushing and don't give up," said student Christian Lopez. "What I'm hoping this will mean to them is that anyone can accomplish what Jose Hernandez accomplished. Someone with his humble beginnings as a migrant farmworker was able to become an astronaut, something that is accomplished by very few people," said Jose Rodriguez, president of El Concilio. Students learn about astronauts in the classroom, but in this case, things are different. They will interact one of one with an astronaut who lives in their community.With his foundation "Reaching for the Stars," Hernandez will bring his mobile science lab to campus to give students hands-on experience. "Since this is a STEM-focused school. We want to have a very well-equipped science lab to have the latest tools with microscopes to be able to do some chemistry, to be able to do physics in the science lab. Start teaching the kids those concepts from very young so as they grow up, they would have been exposed," Hernandez said. "I've never been in zero gravity before. I just want to jump around, have fun, and maybe do research," Lopez said.They are on a mission to succeed and already have their sights set on college and space careers. "We always wanted to become astronauts, so what I hope to learn about in the future is more about space and Jose Hernandez," said seventh-grader Thiago Smith. Astronaut Jose Hernandez Charter School in Stockton is still accepting students. School officials expect to have 280 students this year.