Cárdenas, Salazar Introduce Resolution to Support Latinos in STEM Careers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Tony Cárdenas (CA-29) and Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27) introduced a bipartisan resolution to express support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in STEM.
“STEM education changed my life,” said Congressman Cárdenas. “I had teachers tell me that I wouldn’t be able to cut it at University of California Santa Barbara and that I should train to be a mechanic rather than aiming for a degree in engineering. I overcame that negativity and ignorance, and I am proud to have seen other San Fernando Valley trailblazers like Senator Alex Padilla and Assemblywoman Luz Rivas use their STEM educations and knowledge to lead. This is why Congresswoman Salazar and I are fighting to empower more Latinos to pursue STEM careers. Enhancing opportunities for Latinos in STEM roles will strengthen our country and build the next generation of astronauts, inventors, leaders, and more.”
“Investing in education and workforce development is critical and having more Latinos pursuing STEM degrees will help grow our economy when it is desperately needed,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “Latinos, who are currently underrepresented in STEM fields, can and should help fill our country’s need for more highly skilled and technical workers. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan resolution recognizing the importance of Latinos in STEM.”
In addition to bipartisan congressional support, the resolution is endorsed by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).
“The re-introduction of the House Resolution, it’s a renewed commitment that underscores the vital role of the Hispanic community in shaping and cultivating a strong and skilled domestic workforce. As the fastest growing demographic in the nation, Hispanics are crucial to driving innovation and meeting the demands of key industries in the U.S. economy. SHPE is grateful for Representatives Cárdenas and Salazar for taking active steps to get Congress on board with our agenda,” said Miguel Alemany, Chief Executive Officer of SHPE.
There are over 62 million Latinos in the U.S., accounting for approximately 18 percent of the total U.S. population. Despite these demographic breakdowns, Latinos represent less than 8 percent of the workforce in all STEM fields. A recent report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts Latinos will grow to 22.4 percent of the overall workforce in 2030, and to 30.3 percent in 2060. The amount of well-paying STEM jobs is expected to outpace non-STEM jobs in the coming years, and the share of Latinos in the U.S. is expected to grow. It is critical to ensure STEM fields are accessible and appealing for Latino students and young adults.
The resolution:
- supports the goal of increasing Latino men and women in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics as a way to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, not only in their community, but in the overall American economy;
- acknowledges that, while Latino men and women have been a foundation for the American economy, they are underrepresented in STEM fields to the detriment of these industries and the broader American economy;
- acknowledges that a strong commitment towards diversity and inclusion will require greater investment in our Latino community. This emphasis will help develop talented and capable STEM workers, reduce our nation’s dependence on foreign workers, and secure our nation’s future as a leader in STEM;
- encourages increased federal support for initiatives aimed at boosting the number of Latino students who pursue STEM education and career paths, particularly engineering; and
- recognizes the important role that Hispanic-Serving Institutions and all colleges and universities must play to achieve this goal.
Congressmembers Grace Napolitano (CA-31), David Valadao (CA-22), Joaquin Castro (TX-20), Raul Grijalva (AZ-7), Andrea Salinas (OR-6), Jimmy Gomez (CA-34), Melanie Stansbury (NM-1), Raul Ruiz (CA-25), Darren Soto (FL-9), Andre Carson (IN-7), Yadira Caraveo (CO-8), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Lou Correa (CA-46), Teresa Leger Fernandez (NM-3), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34), and Haley Stevens (MI-11) have joined as original cosponsors of this bipartisan resolution expressing support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).
Full resolution text is available here.
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