Herrera graduated from San Diego High School in 1967 and was one of the first waves of Latinos to receive the Educational Opportunity Program scholarship to attend the University of California. Los Angeles (UCLA). He received a Bachelors degree in Social Anthropology from UCLA. a Masters degree in Social Anthropology from Stanford University. and a Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa Writers Workshop. He has worked as a poet for over 40 years throughout California at various colleges. universities. migrant camps. continuation high schools. juvenile halls. and prisons. Among his many works Mr. Herrera is the author of 28 books of poetry. novels for young adults. and collections for children.