Growing up, I was inspired to pursue a career in science while studying chemistry in high school. In one project, we mixed various substances together to create a spearmint flavor like you might find in chewing gum, and I was hooked. I went on to earn a master’s degree in chemical engineering and spent more than two decades working for major corporations in many roles that allowed me to travel all over the world.
I was lucky. Education was highly valued in my family, and several of my siblings also gravitated toward science, technology, engineering and math careers. But many other children from Hispanic families aren’t as fortunate. They suffer from low academic expectations and/or a lack of role models in STEM-related jobs.
According to Pew Research , Hispanic adults make up 17% of the U.S. labor force but just 8% of those working in STEM careers. Many Hispanic children aren’t even aware of the possibilities that exist within the STEM fields.
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As technology plays an increasingly important role in Americans’ daily lives, STEM is a fundamental driver of economic success. Beyond that, learning about STEM topics prepares students to thrive in any career. It helps them see the world differently and become highly adept at solving problems and thinking critically. For these reasons and many more, it’s essential that all students — and especially those of color — receive a high-quality STEM education and learn about career options in these critical fields.
Here are five ways that schools, communities and families can deliver on this promise.
First, invest in strong STEM programming in schools. While all students deserve access to rigorous STEM instruction, children of color and those who live in poorer communities often lack access to key learning opportunities and resources, such as robotics and computer science, advanced science classes in high school, even hands-on experiments and other basic science and technology exposure in elementary school. To address these gaps, school districts can prioritize STEM education and invest in high-quality professional development to ensure that teachers feel qualified to teach science in engaging and practical ways that adequately prepare students for future careers.
Educators can promote organizations such as Latinas in STEM and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers , which offer valuable resources for Hispanic STEM students seeking to connect with peers and expand their knowledge in the field. Families and other community members can advocate for stronger investment in STEM programming in their schools by seeking partnerships with local businesses and organizations, including STEM-focused clubs, workshops, seminars and competitions to enhance resources and opportunities.
Second, they can expose students to STEM career pathways beginning at a young age. Children can’t aspire to careers they don’t know about: They might understand what a computer programmer does, but what about a video game designer? A cybersecurity analyst? A chemist who studies how odor molecules can be used to make perfumes? A sound effects engineer who works on movie sets? There are plenty of resources that can inspire Hispanic students to engage in STEM and become community leaders. Shows like SciGirls, Maya and Miguel and Nina’s World , along with books like A y, Mija! Why Do You Want to Be an Engineer? and The Lola Dérez S.T.E.M. Mysteries, showcase Hispanic excellence and encourage exploration with curiosity and passion.
By exposing students to a wide variety of STEM-related jobs, educators, families and community members can open a world of possibilities and inspire young people to pursue this career path. Learning about STEM-based jobs also helps students understand how the math and science content they’re learning in school prepares them for the real world after graduation.
Third, they can set high expectations. Whether consciously or not, some teachers and administrators make assumptions about what students of color can — or cannot — achieve. These are often barriers that prevent Hispanic students and others from reaching their full potential. Setting high expectations for all children, and helping them reach these standards with guidance and support, can ensure that Hispanic students have the same opportunities as their peers.
Fourth, they can provide students with mentors and role models who look like them. Representation matters; connecting students with mentors who come from similar backgrounds gives them relatable heroes and a path that feels attainable as they see someone like them who has succeeded. This helps build a sense of community and a support network that is extremely valuable in encouraging them to follow STEM-related disciplines. Throughout my college and professional experience, I was often the only person of Mexican descent in the room. That can be very lonely and discouraging. To make sure others don’t have this experience, I regularly mentor students in elementary through high school. I also volunteer at my children’s school and talk about the success I’ve had in STEM. I point students toward my STEM heroes, such as Dr. Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space, and Dr. Carlos Bustamante, a biophysicist known for his research in single-molecule biology, so Hispanic students realize that people who look like me — and like them — can accomplish amazing things in their careers. Organizations such as Prospanica — an association of Hispanic professionals — have qualified volunteers who advise and mentor young people.
Lastly, schools can provide opportunities for all students to engage in Advanced Placement math and science. College can be difficult for many families of color to afford, and this is no different for Hispanic families. In fact, nearly three-fourths of Latino students who cut their education short during or right after high school report doing so to support their families. If not for scholarships, I wouldn’t have been able to complete my own advanced degree. Earning Advanced Placement credits in high school can help students lower the cost of college by reducing the time to completion.
Organizations such as the nonprofit National Math and Science Initiative can help school systems implement high-quality AP courses that reach more students — and its programs integrate culturally relevant teaching practices, including materials that focus on Black and Latino voices and support for English learners. The organization also covers the registration fee for all AP exams taken by students at participating schools. Among African-American and Hispanic students at these schools, the average qualifying scores in math increased 107% in the first year, significantly surpassing national averages. For female students, the scores rose 84%, 12 times the national average.
Perhaps the best way to help Hispanic students engage with STEM is to listen. Encourage them to ask questions, show them it’s OK to try and to fail — that’s part of the scientific process, and it’s how STEM professionals learn and grow — and provide a safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment. Engaging Hispanics in STEM not only gives them more options, it’s also imperative for advancing equity in STEM careers in the United States.
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