Jean Rockford Aguilar-Valdez at NewsTaco makes the case regarding the need for more Latinos in STEM careers. I agree with his recommendation, too:
When 1 in 5 of the children in our schools is Latino, what justification is there for saying that STEM is only for the white, male, and middle- or upper-class? The demographics of the U.S. are changing, and with it we are faced with two options:
1.) Leave STEM to the disproportionally represented white population (and the associated stereotype that only white nerdy boys go into that field) and thus allow the STEM shortage to continue without Latinos enjoying the career-related benefits.
2.) Claim STEM as our own, as a field that can benefit from the strength of our numbers, perspectives, connections, and understandings; bringing to the Latino community all the economic, social, and intellectual power that the field of STEM affords to modern society.
Guess which one I recommend?
I’m so glad you’re on the same page! It really is something that is inevitable, given the direction of the U.S. both in terms of demographics and in terms of our economic and technological future. Feel free to continue the conversation with me if you like. my email’s msrockford at gmail . com
I’m a graduate student trying to write my dissertation in this area (as well as a Latina, scientist, and science educator), so any conversation on this topic is very welcome!
Thanks for the feedback and comments Jean! I would enjoy a discussion. I’ll shoot you an email ; )