As Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations wrap, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced an investment of more than $15 million to promote and strengthen agriculture-related higher-education programs at Hispanic-serving Institutions (HSI) nationwide.
USDA Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small said: "Hispanic-serving Institutions provide invaluable agricultural education programs and prepare Hispanic students across the nation for careers in food and agriculture that traditionally have not been available to them."
The Hispanic population is underrepresented in college enrollment and the STEM workforce, although U.S. job opportunities are growing in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Hispanic students account for 21% of U.S. enrolled college students, yet Hispanic students earn about 17% of bachelor's, 13% of master's, and 9% of doctoral degrees conferred, and make up 8% of the STEM workforce, according to Texas State University research.
Projects funded through the National Institute of Food and Agriculture's (NIFA) Hispanic-serving Institutions Education Grants Program are designed to attract and support students from underrepresented groups and prepare them for careers related to food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences. Other projects will enhance postsecondary instruction within these disciplines; provide opportunities and access to food and agricultural careers in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors; and align HSI efforts with other nonprofit organizations to support academic development and career attainment of underrepresented groups.
The USDA has funded 21 projects across 10 states.