This past month, a group of SHPE representatives traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet members of Congress and key staff, bringing an urgent message about how SHPE is proactively delivering solutions to address the nation’s workforce shortages. This visit came at a critical time, as policymakers weigh new investments and strategies to sustain U.S. leadership in science, technology, and innovation. 

With nearly 12 million new STEM jobs projected in the next 6 years, SHPE delegates emphasized the organization’s five-decade legacy of delivering measurable results through tailored programs in education, mentorship, and career readiness. Over the years, the organization has consistently closed opportunity gaps, advanced innovation, promoted entrepreneurship, and contributed meaningfully to the strength of the U.S. economy. As the STEM economy continues to grow, SHPE’s longstanding investments in accessibility and building a strong talent pipeline prove to be vital.  

During their visit to Congress, the delegation called on lawmakers to accelerate strategic partnerships with STEM-focused nonprofits like SHPE. By expanding access to informal STEM learning and supporting professional readiness at every career stage, SHPE continues to play a critical role in growing the STEM talent pool in the country. As a leading national organization delivering high-impact wraparound programs that serve students and professionals when needed most, SHPE has proactively addressed recurring and emerging workforce needs nationwide. 

SHPE delegates shared personal stories about how federal investments in STEM education and careers transformed their lives. As accomplished engineers, entrepreneurs, organization leaders, and respected innovators in their fields, they spoke from lived experience, underscoring both the transformational power of opportunity and the responsibility they feel to create it for others.  

I know that SHPE’s impact is real because I am a product of it. Growing up in a household where ‘engineering’ was never a commonly used word, I found in SHPE the support and mentorship that guided me through my STEM journey and led me to where I am today. That is why I remain committed to investing my time to support and advocate for the next generation of Hispanic STEMists. Advocacy in STEM is not just valuable, it is necessary. It ensures that students from all backgrounds can envision a future in these fields, access meaningful opportunities, and develop the confidence to lead. – William Gonzalez, Former 7 Region RVP 

“Being back on the Hill to advocate for SHPE’s community felt like a full-circle moment one that built on past momentum and deepened our commitment to progress. We highlighted SHPE’s role not only in expanding access, but in tackling pressing national challenges like closing the STEM workforce gap, driving skill-building efforts, and addressing the often-overlooked issue of ‘brain drain’. This experience was a powerful reminder that policy and representation go hand-in-hand when it comes to growing the STEM pipeline.” – Karen Santos, Former Board Secretary 

As a booming population segment and vital driver of economic growth, consumer spending, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the Hispanic community will be central to national efforts intended to solve the nation’s STEM workforce shortfall. Expanding Hispanic participation across all STEM fields, from early education to advanced research and executive leadership, is essential to building a resilient and sustainable economy. 

For over 50 years, SHPE has made a measurable impact on the availability of quality STEM talent through its 1000,000+ strong all-time membership. SHPE remains committed in its mission to drive meaningful progress to close the skills gap and empower the next generation of STEM leaders. Visits like these to Capitol Hill and to those at the local level remind our lawmakers of the growing need for STEM talent and SHPE’s unique position to help fill that need. 

Interested in learning how to deliver this message to your local lawmakers? We can make that happen! Please reach out to Mariana Acuna Delgado at [email protected] to discuss the opportunity.