A new report paints a compelling picture of the burgeoning role of Latinos in the U.S. engineering and technology sectors, highlighting their rapid educational advancements and potential to meet critical workforce demands. The 2024 SHPE-LDC U.S. Latinos in Engineering and Tech Report, a collaboration between the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) and the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), underscores that Latinos, who make up 25% of the U.S. population under 18, are not just a growing demographic but a vital asset for the nation’s economic future.

The study reveals a significant upward trajectory in Latino engagement with STEM. Between 2012 and 2022, Latino enrollment in undergraduate engineering programs surged by 38.6%, outpacing all other ethnic groups. The number of undergraduate engineering degrees awarded to Latinos saw an even more dramatic increase of 56.7% in the same period. At the master’s level, Latinos experienced a 37% increase in engineering degrees awarded, maintaining the highest growth rate among unique racial and ethnic groups.

“Latino participation in these sectors is not just a testament to the strength and potential within our communities; it is essential to securing the nation’s position in an increasingly competitive global landscape,” states Ana Valdez, President and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative.

The report emphasizes that this growth is crucial given the projected need for 11.8 million STEM professionals by 2033. Latinos are already making their mark, accounting for 80% of the net growth in the U.S. labor force over the past decade. Their presence in the science and engineering workforce now stands at 9.5%, and notably, Latino participation in AI technical roles outpaced broader U.S. workforce trends, increasing by an impressive 58.7% between 2018 and 2022.

Beyond sheer numbers, the report highlights the unique attributes Latinos bring to STEM. Survey respondents cited perseverance and resilience (76.2%), hard work (63.6%), and bilingualism (52.2%) as key strengths derived from their heritage that support their STEM pursuits. Strong family support (50.4%) also plays a pivotal role. This cultural capital, combined with a strong interest in solving real-world problems (63.6% of respondents) and entrepreneurial ambitions (62% of Latino youth aged 12-34 desire to own a business), positions them as key drivers of innovation.

However, despite these gains, significant hurdles remain. The report identifies persistent challenges, including financial insecurity, insufficient support systems, basic needs concerns, and mental well-being. The gender gap within STEM also continues to be an area of opportunity, as does addressing extended graduation timelines for some Latino students and a pervasive lack of institutional support.

SHPE and LDC advocate for targeted initiatives to overcome these barriers, such as early STEM exposure, parental involvement programs like “Equipando Padres,” and mentorship opportunities. SHPE’s own members boast an impressive 87.7% graduation rate, significantly higher than the national average, showcasing the impact of robust support systems.

As the U.S. looks to maintain its competitive edge, fully harnessing the talents of its Latino youth in STEM is not just an equitable goal but an economic imperative. The report serves as a call to action for educators, employers, and policymakers to invest in and support this dynamic demographic, ensuring they are equipped to lead the next wave of technological advancement.