October 19, 2022

HACU and Hispanics in Energy sign MOU to assist Hispanics to achieve educational excellence in the energy sector and workforce

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities and Hispanics in Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 10, 2022, at HACU's 36th Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif. The primary objective of the MOU is to develop a partnership to enable access to STEM energy careers for students enrolled at HACU-member institutions, and to advancing the success of Hispanics to the executive levels within the HIE partners.

“HACU is pleased to be partnering with Hispanics in Energy to help create pathways for students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions to enhance their knowledge of the energy industry and career opportunities,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “It’s critical to prepare our future workforce and build a talent pipeline to increase representation of Hispanics in executive leadership roles within the energy sector.”

The partnership will collaborate on a HACU-HIE Energy Center to house proposed key initiatives, such as the energy STEM Pathway program, the Energy Executive Academy, and related programs. The Center will be developed within the framework of the HACU National Innovation Center for Hispanic Education.

The MOU’s focus is on enhancing the energy STEM pathway through the engagement of Hispanic-Serving School Districts, HSIs, energy corporations and government agencies to develop a diverse energy workforce. This will include the implementation of leadership development programs for executive level positions within the energy sector.

The MOU with HIE continues HACU’s work to provide pathways for college students to gain professional experience while diversifying the STEM workforce.