North Miami-Dade News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Representatives María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Tony Cárdenas (D-TX) have introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing their support for increasing the number of Latino students and young professionals pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

"Investing in education and workforce development is crucial, and a greater number of Latinos studying STEM careers will contribute to the growth of our economy when it is desperately needed," said Representative 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 that recognizes the importance of Latinos in STEM."

"STEM education changed my life," said Representative Cárdenas. "I had teachers who told me I wouldn't be able to attend the University of California in Santa Barbara and that I should train to be a mechanic instead of pursuing a degree in engineering. I overcame that negativity and ignorance, and I am proud to have seen other pioneers from the San Fernando Valley like Senator Alex Padilla and Assemblywoman Luz Rivas use their STEM education and knowledge to lead. That is why Congresswoman Salazar and I are fighting to empower more Latinos to pursue STEM careers. Increasing opportunities for Latinos in STEM roles will strengthen our country and build the next generation of astronauts, inventors, leaders, and more."

The resolution has received bipartisan support from Congress and is also endorsed by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE).

"The reintroduction of the House Resolution is a renewed commitment that underscores the vital role of the Hispanic community in shaping and cultivating a strong and qualified national workforce. As the fastest-growing demographic group in the nation, Hispanics are crucial in driving innovation and meeting the demands of key industries in the U.S. economy. SHPE appreciates Representatives Cárdenas and Salazar for taking active steps to rally Congress behind our agenda," said Miguel Alemany, Executive Director of SHPE.

According to recent data, there are over 62 million Latinos in the U.S., representing approximately 18 percent of the total population. However, Latinos make up less than 8 percent of the workforce in all STEM fields. A recent report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that by 2030, Latinos will make up 22.4 percent of the total workforce and 30.3 percent by 2060.

As the number of well-paying STEM jobs is expected to surpass non-STEM jobs in the coming years, it is crucial to ensure that STEM fields are accessible and appealing to Latino students and young adults. The resolution:

- Supports the goal of increasing the number of Latino men and women in the fields of science, engineering, technology, and mathematics as a way to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, not only in their community but in the U.S. economy as a whole.

- Recognizes that while Latino men and women have been the backbone of the U.S. economy, they are underrepresented in STEM fields, to the detriment of these industries and the U.S. economy.

- Recognizes that a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion will require increased investment in the Latino community. This emphasis will help develop talented and capable STEM workers, reduce our nation's reliance on foreign workers, and secure the future of our nation as a leader in STEM.

- Encourages increased federal support for initiatives aimed at increasing the number of Latino students pursuing education and careers in STEM, particularly engineering.

- Recognizes the important role that Hispanic-serving institutions and all universities must play in achieving this goal.

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

To find out more, go to this link: https://salazar.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresistas-salazar-y-cardenas-presentan-resolucion-para-reconocer-latinos-en