The number of college students entering fields in math, science and engineering is declining, placing America’s position as the world’s leader in science and technology at risk.  And, the number of Hispanic youth entering these fields is even less.  Only half of Hispanic young people earn high school diplomas, and only one in nine earn college degrees.  Yet, by the year 2010, Hispanics will represent one out of four students in U.S. schools, but currently, only four percent of scientists and engineers in this country are Hispanic.

“There is an old saying:  ‘If you want to catch fish, you have to go where the fish are,’ but the truth is that we need to take better care of our fish and their ponds,” said Hinojosa during the roundtable.  “Minority students are isolated in the highest poverty schools; and, there are tremendous social and academic costs to this isolation.  If we do not address these problems now, and engage our young people early on, we will lose our competitive advantage and be left further behind as the 21^st century moves forward.”

During this year’s roundtable, Hinojosa called for more investment from the business community in programs that help our young people succeed in school, as well as a policy shift in Washington that is geared toward early outreach and awareness of STEM careers, continues with high quality math and science instruction, provides adequate financial assistance, and supports institutes of higher education that enroll and graduate under-represented groups.

“In order to ensure the success of our students, we must provide them with a rigorous curriculum, hands-on experience, and access to the latest technologies and equipment,” continued Hinojosa.  “The bottom line is that this needs to be a collaborative effort – channeling the resources of the federal government, school districts and local government, and the business community.   We are at a crossroads, and now is the time to step up to the plate and get the job done.  The future of our children and of our country depends on it.”

HESTEC, developed by UTPA in conjunction with Congressman Hinojosa, is a year round leadership program designed to help increase awareness of the importance of science literacy for K-12 students through workshops, competitions, tours and exhibits.  Since its inception, it has raised more than $1.2 million from corporate sponsors for student scholarships. 

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