Vviewpoints
DOI: 10.1145/1859204.1859217
Broadening participation
the role of Hispanic-serving
institutions in Contributing
to an educated Work Force
photograph by reed SaXon / ap photo
In order to thrive and even sur- vive in the worldwide market- place of ideas and innovation, the U.S. must aggressively meet the challenge of increasing the number of students who complete degrees in the fields of science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It is critical for the
economic and social health of the
U.S. that a globally competitive STEM
work force is maintained and the engagement of diverse individuals who
can contribute to innovations and
advancements in STEM areas is expanded. Although there has been an
upturn in the past two years, computing fields have certainly experienced a
significant decrease in the number of
majors and graduates. Engaging large
segments of society that have traditionally not been involved—students
from underrepresented groups—is
critical in addressing work force
needs and innovation, especially in
computing. One group in particular
that is prime for greater inclusion in
computing is Hispanics. Hispanics
have the fastest growth rate among
all groups in the U.S. (one in four newborns is Hispanic according to the
Pew Foundation5), yet this group remains significantly underrepresented
in STEM careers and in the number
of graduates who obtain advanced
degrees. Approximately 6.8% of the
total bachelor’s degrees awarded to
a Whittier College valedictory speaker during a Latino pre-graduation celebration.
citizens and permanent residents in
2000–2008 and 2.5% of the total doc-
toral degrees awarded in 1998–2007
in computer sciences went to Hispan-
ics according to the 2009 NSF Women,
Minorities, and Persons with Disabili-
ties in Science and Engineering report. 3
Adding to this is the fact that fewer
younger adults are obtaining college
degrees; the U.S. ranks only 10th in the
percentage of the young adult popula-
tion with college degrees according to
the Lumina Foundation.
