 He went on to attend the citywide specialized Brooklyn Technical High School (1965–1969) in Ft. Greene, Brooklyn, where he graduated with a specialization in architecture.In high school, he joined with other Puerto Rican and Latino students to organize the "El Nuevo Mundo" Aspira Club, which began his involvement in community affairs.He went on to attend Columbia College of Columbia University (Class of 1973) where he continued his activism as Chair of the Latin American Student Organization (LASO) and helping to establish the first HEOP, or Higher Education Opportunity Program, at the College.