The future of STEM is intertwined with Hispanic students | Opinion
As America races to maintain its global leadership in technology and innovation, we face a critical challenge: meeting the projected demand for 11.8 million STEM professionals by 2030.
The groundbreaking 2024 U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report” released by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, or SHPE, the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in the STEM field, reveals that the solution to dealing with the demand lies in embracing and empowering a unique source of talent: the Hispanic community.
The report documents significant progress in Latino representation in engineering education, with undergraduate engineering enrollment increasing by 39% from 2012 to 2022. Engineering degrees awarded to Hispanics rose by 57% during the same period.
“With Hispanics comprising over 25% of America’s youth (under 18 years of age) and nearly 16% of undergraduate engineering students, the talent pipeline is critical to filling the projected need for STEM professionals,” said SHPE CEO Suzanna Valdez Wolfe.
Our latest research, conducted in partnership with the Latino Donor Collaborative, highlights the potential and necessity of Hispanic participation in STEM fields as a means to fuel America’s continued economic growth and technological leadership.
The report reveals that from 2012 to 2022, the U.S. had a 39% increase in undergraduate engineering enrollment among Hispanics and a remarkable 57% rise in engineering degrees awarded. These aren’t just statistics — they represent thousands of young minds eager to contribute to America’s economic future.
Particularly encouraging is how Hispanic college students and professionals engage with emerging technologies. We’re seeing a generation that doesn’t just consume technology but seeks to shape it.
Hispanic participation in AI technical roles has surged by 59% in just four years, from 2018 to 2022. This growth isn’t just about filling jobs — it’s about bringing additional perspectives to technological innovation. When we support Hispanic STEM students, we invest in professionals who approach challenges with unique insights and a deep commitment to community impact. In fact, 64% of Hispanic STEM students are motivated by the opportunity to solve real-world problems through their work.
We’ve seen firsthand how targeted support can transform potential into achievement. This success demonstrates that when given the right resources and opportunities, Hispanic students excel.
However, we can’t ignore the challenges. About 20% of Hispanic undergraduate students faced financial insecurity in 2024, with 28% of graduate students facing the same hurdles. Many also struggle with housing instability while pursuing their education. These barriers aren’t insurmountable, but they require concerted action from educational institutions, employers, industry partners, and policymakers to facilitate positive change.
The path forward is clear. We need expanded mentorship programs that connect students with successful Hispanic professionals in STEM. We need increased funding for STEM education and research opportunities. And, we need stronger partnerships between educational institutions and industry to create clear pathways to careers through internships and early career development programs.
STEM fields are inextricably linked to America’s economic future and its ability to maintain a competitive edge in the world.
The question isn’t whether Hispanic professionals will play a crucial role in America’s STEM future — they already are. The real question is whether the U.S. will seize this moment to fully empower the next generation of Hispanic STEM leaders, who can play an important role in building America’s economy for a generation.
Suzanna Valdez Wolfe is the CEO of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in the STEM field. Valdez Wolfe lives in Miami.
This story was originally published February 26, 2025 at 5:37 AM.