September 15 through October 15 is National Hispanic Heritage Month. To commemorate the month, our Engagement and Belonging heritage series will focus on the impact of Hispanic/Latine students in higher education.
Note: You may notice the use of “Latine” in this post. This gender-neutral term is increasingly used by many in the community as an inclusive alternative to Latino/a or Latinx. We use it alongside other terms to respect the diverse ways people self-identify.
The Growing Influence of Hispanic and Latine Students
Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau reveal a significant shift in higher education demographics. Between 2006 and 2021, the percentage of Hispanic/Latine students enrolled in colleges and universities nearly doubled, rising from about 11 percent to just under 20 percent.
Moreover, this trend is expected to continue. The National Center for Education Statistics projects that the percentage of Hispanic/Latine students in elementary and secondary schools will increase from 18 percent in 2002 to 29 percent in 2024.
The Bigger Picture: Hispanic Population Growth in the US
Notably, these educational trends reflect the overall growth of the Hispanic population in the United States. In fact, the Census Bureau forecasts that by 2060, 28 percent of the U.S. population—over 110 million individuals—will identify as Hispanic, up from about 20 percent in 2025.
Hispanic Students at Michigan Tech
Turning our attention to Michigan Tech, we’re seeing our own growth in Hispanic student enrollment. Currently, about 2.8 percent of our students identify as domestic Hispanic/Latine. We continue to see slow but steady increases among these Huskies. Hispanic students also make up an important component of our international student population.
Supporting Success
In light of these trends and Michigan Tech’s vision to “promote mutual respect and equity for all people,” we are committed to becoming a stronger, more diverse institution by supporting the recruitment and success of Hispanic students. To this end, recent initiatives include
- Participation in the Inaugural Michigan Latino Summit in Grand Rapids
- Hosting events for Hispanic Heritage Month, including trivia nights and film discussions
- Ongoing support and programming through the Center for Diversity and Inclusion
The Promise of Hispanic Students in Higher Education
Furthermore, Dr. Emily Calderón Galdeano, Chief Impact and Strategy Officer for UP Partnership, emphasizes the potential of Latine students in higher education: “For me, higher education is a promise of what is possible for our community. We know that, with our numbers, we’re still not where we need to be, but for me that is the promise—what’s available, what we can do, what is possible.”
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Center for Diversity and Inclusion at Michigan Tech has planned two events:
- Trivia night on October 4
- Discussion with Cynthia Martinez on October 14 and 15 about the film “First Voice Generations”
Online Resources and Events
- National Park Service—Hispanic Heritage Month Concert with Los Guiros at the New Orleans Jazz Museum
- Friday, September 20, 2024, 3–4 p.m. EDT (View live on Facebook)
- National Museum of the American Latino—Thriving in Diversity: Latinas and Latinos with Disabilities
- Google Arts and Culture presentation
- Latino Arts Milwaukee—Familias Unidas: Tributo a la Lucha de los Trabajadores Migrantes en Wisconsin 1960S -1970S
- Interactive virtual gallery, always available
Additionally, for more ways to celebrate, check out A Look at Latine Culture, which includes recommendations for movies, books, and recipes that celebrate Latine culture.