Shaping the Future: A Comprehensive Look into the Latino Action Agenda for Equity in Education

By: Erica Romero, VP, Education Policy and Advocacy

Latino students are at a pivotal crossroads, and the time to act is now. As of 2022, this rapidly growing demographic makes up 28% of all public-school students. Yet, despite these increasing numbers, our students continue to face distinct challenges in accessing high quality early childhood education, seeing themselves represented in their classrooms, equitable access to high quality resources and opportunities, and attaining an affordable college education. At Latinos for Education, we created the Latino Action Agenda to provide a comprehensive roadmap for change, making urgent policy recommendations for Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration. 

The agenda outlines four priority areas which were developed in partnership with Latino practitioners, families, and leaders. They include educator diversity, early childhood education, K-12 education, and higher education. These priorities are key to shifting the Latino experience in the education system. When the recommendations within the Latino Action Agenda are made policy, Latinos will not only gain more equitable access to education, but will see increased success in their classrooms and, ultimately, in the workforce.  

Educator Diversity 

The research is clear: all students benefit from a diverse educator workforce.  

We must recognize the importance and champion classrooms that mirror our student population, especially for our Latino students. Unfortunately, too many Latino students go through their K-12 education without ever encountering a teacher that reflects their ethnic or racial identity.   

The Latino Action Agenda makes clear that educator diversity is critical to closing opportunity gaps for Latino children and puts forth the case for innovative solutions such as establishing a National Teaching Commission to improve educator diversity. Additionally, our agenda calls for investing in grow-your-own programs that recruit high school students through early college and career pathway programs. Financial resources, technical assistance, and other guidance need to be steered toward future educators. Our agenda also makes a case for competitive grants to attract and retain a diverse range of teachers. 

Early Childhood Education 

The foundation for an education lies in accessing high-quality early childhood education (ECE). Yet, Latino children face unique obstacles that hinder participation and enroll in such programs at the lowest rate of any demographic group nationwide. The Latino Action Agenda underscores the urgency to invest in culturally and linguistically appropriate methodologies, as well as providing the ECE workforce with a livable wage and growth opportunities to advance in the sector.  

K-12 Education 

For far too long, the opportunity gap for Latino children in our schools has led to missed opportunities that could set them up for success in college and in their careers. From unequal access to quality resources and opportunities, to underrepresentation in advanced courses, Latino children face systemic challenges that hinder their academic growth and potential. 

The Latino Action Agenda suggests a strong focus on minimizing the equity gaps in advanced courses such as early college, dual enrollment, and STEM. We propose ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for college and career. Additionally, we propose the establishment of parental engagement councils to elevate the voices of nuestros padres at the federal level. 

Higher Education 

The Latino Action Agenda highlights the pressing issue of college affordability for Latino students. By enhancing college affordability, we can significantly boost enrollment and re-enrollment figures for Latinos. Key recommendations include doubling the Pell Grant, extending additional forms of aid, and increasing funding for GEAR UP and TRIO programs. The Latino Action Agenda also advocates support for DACA and undocumented students, along with the establishment of postsecondary student success grants. 

The Latino community carries valuable potential that, if unlocked through equitable access to quality education, can significantly contribute to the nation’s progress. The call to action is clear: we must enact policies that ensure our Latino educators, students and families succeed.   

I encourage you to download and read the full Latino Action Agenda to see our comprehensive recommendations. Your awareness, understanding, and action can help ensure Latino students are equipped with every resource they need to succeed.  

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Erica Romero serves as Vice President of Education Policy and Advocacy at Latinos for Education in Washington, DC.  She is responsible for providing thought leadership, policy analysis, policy development, and cultivating key partner relations with decision makers and influencers in the federal education space. She previously served as Assistant Vice President of State Advocacy at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, as well as Vice President of External Relations at the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities. She is a graduate of both UC Berkeley and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.