Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) met today with Ronald Garcia of East Los Angeles during his visit to the nation's capital as a participant in the first "Next Generation Democratic Summit."

Congresswoman Roybal-Allard and Ronald Garcia.

Ron, who was nominated by Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, joined celebrities including MTV's Gideon Yago, in discussing ways to increase the involvement of young Americans in their communities and in public service. The daylong event also included conversations about how to bring down the cost of attending college, stop the "outsourcing" of good paying jobs, and improve education.

"We are incredibly fortunate to have the talent and enthusiasm of young Americans such as Ron Garcia who want to get a good education, help their communities and do their part to make our country a better place," Congresswoman Roybal-Allard said. "The students who attended today's summit remind us of our obligation to educate the next generation of leaders in this country."

Ronald Garcia said the summit emphasized the importance of public service.

"I learned so much at the summit today," Ronald Garcia said. "They encourage kids to get involved in politics at a young age as a way of advocating for affordable health care, good jobs and livable wages. I was inspired that the Democratic party is taking such a prominent role in finding out what young people are interested in, politically, socially and economically."

Ronald Garcia, Jr., 24, is a senior at the University of California at Berkeley. Ron is majoring in political science and minoring in city and regional planning. After graduating in May, he plans to attend New York University where he will pursue a master's degree in city and regional planning. Ron graduated from Garfield High School in 1999, and is the son of Patricia and Ronald Garcia of East Los Angeles.