Not Many Latinos in STEM Careers

The lack of Latino participation in science, technology, engineering, and math is so worrisome. American ingenuity, the foundation for our economic strength, has always been the product of our rich and diverse heritage. With the country’s growing Latino population, we have the classic paradox of challenge and opportunity.

There is much worry today about America’s competitiveness and the future of the U.S. economy. The real wealth generator in the current global economy is innovation, and the high-technology jobs that flow from innovation. Indeed, a recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor suggests that over the next 10 years, the country’s need for people with technical expertise is going to grow by 50 percent.

At the same time that our technological needs increase, however, there is a serious shortage of professionals and students studying the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If the United States is to remain competitive, we need children from every ethnic and economic background prepared for jobs and potential careers in these disciplines.