Sep 27, 2016 11:37 AM EDT By Jane Reed, UniversityHerald Reporter

You may know him as a famous television host or actor. But he was first known as A.C. Slater on "Saved by the Bell." Now, he hosts the magazine news show, "Extra."

Now, Mario Lopez goes back to school. By partnering with General Mills and the Box Tops for Education Program, the actor urges everyone to join him and he, himself, "enlists the next generation" of kids. All kids need to do is cut the box tops of cereal boxes and redeem them for cash needed for their schools.

But first, a little background. Lopez, who is born in 1973 in San Diego, California, was a graduate of Chula Vista High School in 1991. He was quite an active boy during his time there. He joined and wrestled for the Chula Vista wrestling team.

Now, he uses his voice to champion a cause. In an interview with the Celebrity Cafe, Mario Lopez speaks out about how his own experience urged him to get involved. His role as a dad of two made him realize that he needs to advocate education. Which is why he is involved with Box Tops for Education.

How did Box Tops for Education start?

In 1929, General Mills, an American brand that markets Betty Crocker, Haagen-Dazs, Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Cocoa Puffs and More started a sponsorship. At that time, General Mills products' contained box top coupons (which is known as Betty Crocker coupons) that holds varying points. These point values are redeemable for discounts on houseware products featured in the widely distributed Betty Crocker catalog. This has been discontinued in 2006.

In 1996, a similar program was restarted, but this time it is aimed towards education. Box Tops for Education shells out similar coupons from different General Mills products so schools can redeem it for cash.

Mario Lopez hopes and wants to have both of his kids involved by becoming leaders of "the next generation." Joining Box Tops for Education is just the start of it all.

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