Provides short biographies of more than 175 notable Hispanic American professionals in science, mathematics, medicine, and related fields.

This book is an essential resource that Latino/a students and families need to make the best decisions about entering and succeeding in a STEM career. It can also serve to aid faculty, counselors, and advisors to assist students at every step of entering and completing a STEM career. As a fast-growing, major segment of the U.S. population, the next generation of Latinos and Latinas could be key to future American advances in science and technology. With the appropriate encouragement for Latinos/as to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, they can become the creative innovators who will produce technological advances we all need and can enjoy—from faster tech devices to more energy efficient transportation to cures for diseases and medical conditions. This book presents a compelling case that the nation's Hispanic population must be better represented in STEM careers and that the future of America's technological advances may well depend on the Latino/a population. It focuses on the importance of STEM education for Latinos/as and provides a comprehensive array of the most current information students and families need to make informed decisions about entering and succeeding in a STEM career. Students, families, and educators will fully understand why STEM is so important for Latinos/as, how to plan for a career in STEM, how to pay for and succeed in college, and how to choose a career in STEM. The book also includes compelling testimonials of Latino/a students who have completed a STEM major that offer proof that Latinos/as can overcome life challenges to succeed in STEM fields.

Although the United States has the best innovation ecosystem in the world, according to the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), American students have weak math and science skills compared with those in the rest of the world. Even students at the top tier pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) at lower rates in the U.S. than in other countries, and there is a significant global shift in technical and scientific talent from the U.S. to Asia, which will have a corresponding impact on the research and development (R&D) global infrastructure. The number of U.S.-trained STEM professionals is inadequate to meet the nation's needs, given current pipeline and participation rates. Additionally, the diversity in race/ethnicity of the national population is not reflected in the population of STEM professionals. Demographic trends reinforce this shortage and indicate that an increasing number of STEM professionals will soon be retiring. Without counteracting factors, the estimated ratio of 22-year-olds who will earn scientific and engineering bachelor's degrees and could enter a STEM profession in the United States will continue to drop, and the flow of international students, scientists, and engineers to the U.S. has decreased as other countries recognize the economic importance of a technical workforce and implement policies that entice their citizens to remain at home. The authors advocate the need to encourage more U.S.-based individuals to consider STEM-related fields, an emergent need that presents an opportunity for the growing population of Latinos in the U.S. This report synthesizes existing literature regarding Latino participation in STEM-related fields, describes trends in degree attainment and employment levels for these fields, and chronicles obstacles and opportunities affecting Latino representation. (Contains 2 footnotes.) [For companion qualitative study, see ED502064.].

Professional and community organizations gathered for a weekend summit in May 1992 to articulate how the National Education Goal 4 ("U.S. students will be first in the world in science and mathematics achievement") could be achieved within the Hispanic community. This publication summarizes the major education issues, and highlights the summit recommendations and the formation of the Hispanic Secretariat for Mathematics and Science Education that resulted from the gathering. It discusses the status of the education of Hispanics, including barriers from grade school to higher education, and addresses the underrepresentation of Hispanics in mathematics and science careers. Recommended goals are presented under the following headings: curriculum and skills K-12, preparing the best educators, parent involvement, and higher education. A list of summit participants is appended. (MKR)

This book is an essential resource that Latino/a students and families need to make the best decisions about entering and succeeding in a STEM career. It can also serve to aid faculty, counselors, and advisors to assist students at every step of entering and completing a STEM career. As a fast-growing, major segment of the U.S. population, the next generation of Latinos and Latinas could be key to future American advances in science and technology. With the appropriate encouragement for Latinos/as to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers, they can become the creative innovators who will produce technological advances we all need and can enjoy—from faster tech devices to more energy efficient transportation to cures for diseases and medical conditions. This book presents a compelling case that the nation's Hispanic population must be better represented in STEM careers and that the future of America's technological advances may well depend on the Latino/a population. It focuses on the importance of STEM education for Latinos/as and provides a comprehensive array of the most current information students and families need to make informed decisions about entering and succeeding in a STEM career. Students, families, and educators will fully understand why STEM is so important for Latinos/as, how to plan for a career in STEM, how to pay for and succeed in college, and how to choose a career in STEM. The book also includes compelling testimonials of Latino/a students who have completed a STEM major that offer proof that Latinos/as can overcome life challenges to succeed in STEM fields.