Hispanics and Stem Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills are necessary now more than ever in order to compete in a global economy. According to the U.S. Congress Joint Economic Committee (JEC), between 2010 and 2020 the overall employment in STEM occupations will increase by 17 percent, yet not enough students are pursuing degrees and careers in the STEM fields to meet the increasing demand. There are currently two science and technology job openings for every qualified job seeker. The lack of STEM representation is even more prevalent among Hispanics, who although accounted for 16% of the U.S. population in 2010, only earned 8 percent of all certificates and degrees awarded in the STEM fields between 2009 and 2010.