Workforce

Excelencia in Education's mission is to accelerate Latino student success in higher education— to enhance our workforce, leadership, economy, and Ensure America’s Future.

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Finding Your Workforce header with graduate and students images

Latinos have the highest labor force participation, with 66 percent of those 16 years and older in the labor force, and demonstrates they will account for 91 percent of new workers — the largest number of any group — and one in five workers overall by 2031. However, Latinos are the most likely to be employed in manual labor occupations and earn the lowest salary compared to other groups. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent.

The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level are:

NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate)
Miami Dade College in Florida (Associate)
Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s)
Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional and Doctorate)

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Finding Your Workforce header with graduate and students images in STEM

Latinos are the nation’s fastest growing population and are shaping the nation’s workforce, accounting for 91 percent of new workers by 2031. Although more Latinos are entering the STEM workforce, they continue to be underrepresented in STEM occupations. In 2021, Latinos represented 18 percent of the nation’s workforce yet represented less than 10 percent of all STEM occupations. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap presenting an opportunity for employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by strengthening the Latino STEM talent pipeline.

The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in STEM are:

Dallas College in Texas (Certificate)
South Texas College in Texas (Associate)
Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate and Master’s)
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor in Michigan (Doctorate)

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Finding Your Workforce header with graduate and students images in health

Healthcare occupations are projected to increase over the next decade. As the demand for healthcare professionals increases, Latinos are increasing their representation in healthcare positions. Despite their increased representation, Latinos are more likely to be in healthcare support occupations rather than in healthcare management or professional occupations that offer higher salaries. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in health.

The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in health are:

NUC University in Puerto Rico (Certificate and Associate)
Western Governors University in Utah (Baccalaureate)
Miami Regional University in Florida (Master’s)
Rutgers University-New Brunswick in New Jersey (Doctorate)
Nova Southeastern University in Florida (First Professional)

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Finding Your Workforce header with graduate and students images in education

Latinos are shaping the nation’s population–inside and outside of the classroom. Occupations in education disciplines are projected to increase in the next decade. While Latinos have increased their representation in education related occupations, they are more likely to be in education occupations with lower salaries. This brief is Excelencia’s roadmap for both employers and institutions to take action to ensure America’s future by advancing Latino talent in education.

The top institutions awarding credentials to Latinos at each level in education are:

Miami Regional University in Florida (Certificate)
South Texas College in Texas (Associate)
Florida International University in Florida (Baccalaureate)
Grand Canyon University in Arizona (Master’s)
Nova Southeastern University in Florida (Doctorate)

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Podcast Episode:

Finding your Workforce – Latino Talent for a Global Economy highlights best practices to leverage the high labor force participation rate of Latinos, projected to be one in five workers by 2031. Deborah Santiago, Excelencia in Education's co-founder and CEO, in episode 53 of ACT's Ready for Work podcast discusses the importance of developing stackable credentials, providing transition services, and connecting Latino talent to employers. Get ready to uncover actionable insights, debunk common myths, and discover best practices to reduce skill shortages.

Webinar:

Finding Your Workforce: Latino Talent for a Global Economy

Ensuring America’s future to meet our nation’s economic and civic engagement requires both institutions and employers have a tactical plan to link Latino, and all, college graduates to the workforce. Leaders from institutions, employers, and philanthropy shared their perspectives and efforts for educating, preparing, and connecting Latinos to the workforce.

Expand Your Knowledge about Workforce with Excelencia

How do data on Latino college completion inform U.S. workforce needs?

Data help others understand the profile of Latino students and the institutions graduating them links the college completion goals of the U.S. with the educated workforce needs of the country. Nationally, Latino college enrollment and completion are projected to increase.

How do we close the equity gap and why is this important to workforce?

Closing the equity gap requires a tactical plan for accelerating, not just increasing, Latinos’ degree attainment. Excelencia’s analysis shows that for the U.S. to close equity gaps in educational attainment, Latinos must earn 6.2 million degrees by 2030. Latinos are a young and fast-growing population. Our investment in Latino college completion is critical for the U.S. to meet its current and future civic leadership and workforce needs.

How are Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) supporting Latino students beyond degree completion?

HSIs are expanding their scope of Latino student success and taking active steps to create learning experiences that promote workforce preparation and foster Latino post-completion success. As institutions continue to make progress on Latino enrollment and completion, Latino representation within the workforce is expected to increase.