May 18, 2022

For Immediate Release 

Bipartisan Senate Resolution recognizes urgent need for Hispanics in STEM support

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities applauds the U.S. Senate for recognizing the urgent need for supporting Hispanics in STEM. The bipartisan Senate Resolution 640, introduced by U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and co-sponsored by John Cornyn (R-Texas), addresses the need for substantial support in educating Hispanic students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields to provide an educated workforce for the technologies of tomorrow.

“HACU is encouraged to see this commitment to improve and support Latinos in STEM careers. The U.S. has an opportunity to build capacity and invest in critical STEM development that will strengthen our economy. Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) have the potential to significantly contribute to STEM teaching, learning, and research and HSIs are poised to prepare a new contingent of STEM professionals for the nation’s workforce,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R Flores.

The Senate Resolution, passed with unanimous consent, recognizes the growing Hispanic population representing a substantial portion of the nation’s workforce and their increasing enrollment at colleges and universities. The resolution also notes the underrepresentation of Hispanics in STEM careers and is an initial step to rectify that lack of representation.

“We look forward to continuing our work together to ensure HSIs have the resources needed to support these efforts that will boost the number of Latino students who pursue STEM careers,” added Flores.

A press release on Senate Resolution 640 from the office of Sen. Alex Padilla can be found here.

 

About HACU

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California. Additional information is available at www.hacu.net

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Contact:

Norma Jean Revilla-Garcia

Executive Director of Communications and Marketing

Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities