Congresswoman Luz Rivas Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Increase the Number of Latino Students in STEM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - To commemorate the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, Congresswoman Luz Rivas (CA-29), the only Latina in Congress with a background in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and co-chair of the STEM Education Caucus, introduced a resolution to increase the number of Latino students and young professionals entering careers in STEM.

"With the STEM industry projected to need nearly 11.7 million workers by 2034, we have a unique opportunity for today's Latino youth to develop the skills they need to fill these roles," said Congresswoman Rivas. "My resolution reaffirms our commitment to making sure Latino students have the tools they need to pursue a career in STEM and are prepared to take on our most pressing challenges, including addressing the climate crisis, working with emerging technologies, like AI, and researching cures to rare diseases. Strengthening STEM opportunities for Latino students will develop the next generation of innovators, leaders, and researchers needed to keep our country competitive on the global stage."

Background:

Congresswoman Rivas' resolution:

• Supports the goal of increasing Latino men and women in STEM as a way to promote economic empowerment and sustainability, not only in their community, but in the overall American economy;
• Acknowledges that, while Latino men and women have been a foundation for the American economy, they are underrepresented in STEM fields to the detriment of these industries and the broader American economy;
• Acknowledges that a strong commitment towards diversity and inclusion will require greater investment in our Latino community. This emphasis will help develop talented and capable STEM workers, reduce our nation's dependence on foreign workers, and secure our nation's future as a leader in STEM;
• Encourages increased federal support for initiatives aimed at boosting the number of Latino students who pursue STEM education and career paths, particularly engineering; and
• Recognizes the important role that Hispanic-Serving Institutions and all colleges and universities must play to achieve this goal.

Congresswoman Rivas' resolution is co-sponsored by: Reps. Yassamin Ansari (AZ-03), Nanette Barragán (CA-44), André Carson (IN-07), Kathy Castor (FL-14), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Maxwell Frost (FL-10), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), John Mannion (NY-22), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), Raul Ruíz, M.D. (CA-25), Maria Salazar (FL-27), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Darren Soto (FL-09), Melanie Stansbury (NM-01), Haley Stevens (MI-11), Shri Thanedar (MI-13), Paul Tonko (NY-20), and Norma Torres (CA-35).

The full resolution can be found here.

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