MIAMI, FL (July 23, 2024) – A study from the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the nation’s largest association dedicated to fostering Hispanic leadership in the STEM field, was featured in an “El País” article about Hispanic participation in science and tech fields being “crucial to the nation’s competitiveness and its ability to face future challenges.”
“El País” reports that education is one of the strongest values in Hispanic culture in the United States, with the number of students studying engineering growing at a significant rate. “The data on United States Latino workforce participation, education attainment, and bachelor’s degree completion rates are critical to addressing the engineering and technology workforce shortage in the U.S.,” according to the study, which SHPE conducted in partnership with the Latino Donor Collaborative.
Engineering degrees awarded to Hispanics have seen a significant increase over the past decade, rising from 7.0% to 13.6% in 2010 – 2021 – a 94.3% growth. Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE, emphasizes that the ongoing rise of Hispanic leadership in engineering and tech fields is crucial for the US’s competitiveness with China and other countries. She pointed out that this progress is directly linked to the sustained funding of the federal CHIPS and Science Act. SHPE’s support is pivotal as Congress evaluates CHIPS Act funding in the coming days.
“STEM fields are projected to have a staggering 10.9 million job openings by 2031, representing a substantial 10.8% growth trajectory. That growth will be fueled by $92 billion in federal money funded through CHIPS, with private companies announcing more than $200 billion in investments since the law passed,” said Suzanna Valdez Wolfe, CEO of SHPE. “To ensure the success of the CHIPS Act in driving the United States to a leadership position in global innovation, it is imperative that Congress fully fund the CHIPS Act so the grand bipartisan vision of US chip independence can be fulfilled.”
More than $662 million in semiconductor investments are expected to impact areas with high Hispanic populations. Additionally, more than a third of projects will take place in Hispanic communities, offering a once in a generation opportunity to elevate more Hispanics into STEM fields.