Breaking Barriers: Advancing Latino Education and Equity in the United States

By Adriana Jaime

Only 28% of Latino adults hold an associate’s degree or higher, compared to 48% of white adults [1]. In 2021, there were about 62.5 million Latinos in the United States, accounting for approximately 20% of the total U.S. population [2]. Latinos are among the fastest-growing contributors to the prosperity of the U.S. economy and are responsible for $3.2 trillion of the nation’s gross domestic product [3]. Undeniably, Latinos constitute a pivotal force in propelling the economic vigor and success of the U.S. Yet, the prevalence of the education gap among Latinos underscores the need for federal efforts to ensure equitable access to quality education and opportunities for advancement.

Historical systemic barriers specifically designed to undermine the success of the Black and brown communities in have left crippling effects on rates of higher education attainment. At four-year institutions, the Hispanic graduation rate is approximately 13% lower than that of white students [1]. Research explains how a multitude of factors—a lack of culturally specific training for school personnel, socioeconomic-based school district segregation, insufficient bilingual programs, financial instability, and a lack of guardian involvement—are directly associated with the ongoing gap of Latino graduation rates and academic performance [4].

To tackle this challenge, President Joe Biden enacted an executive order to reinstate the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics in September of 2021. This executive order was enacted to specifically “enable Hispanic and Latino students to reach their highest potential through our Nation’s schools and institutions of higher education” [5]. The initiative is housed in the U.S. Department of Education, chaired by Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and works across the federal government by requiring each agency to formulate a plan outlining measurable actions to advance educational equity. Interagency working groups collaborate with the initiative to provide resources tailored to advancing educational opportunities, and may include subgroup focuses such as early childhood education, students with disabilities, teacher diversity, career and technical education, or correctional education [5]. These efforts seek to address systemic barriers faced by Latino students by improving access to high-quality, culturally affirming education programs, ensuring equitable treatment in schools, addressing racial disparities in school funding, and increasing the presence of diverse and supportive school personnel [5]. The initiative also emphasizes better data collection to enhance Latino student participation and success in educational settings [5].

Overall, the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics has resulted in greater educational equity efforts for historically underserved and underrepresented Latino communities across the country. By dividing the initiative infrastructure’s into multiple sectors based on the specific needs of the community, there is an opportunity for tailored support to address the barriers which have limited the success of the Latino population. The opportunity to utilize the resources of various federal agencies has proven to be a fundamental step towards addressing the multifaceted challenges experienced by Hispanic communities. By actively engaging with stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels, the initiative fosters community-driven, culturally understanding, and inclusive solutions.

As a Latina who attended a low income high school in the barrio of Boyle Heights, I was told I was unable to achieve the accomplishments due to my background. Resources like the Hispanic Initiative, who have supported me and my community’s endeavors throughout higher education, mean the world. Ultimately, the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics holds the promise of fostering greater equity, inclusion, and prosperity for Latinos in educational settings nationwide.

Works Cited