Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Executive Summary
Ruyu (Iris) Yan; Lily Cuellarsola; Deborah A. Santiago
March 2026
Overview
Latino talent is vital to our workforce—particularly in science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM), where innovation and creativity converge to drive economic growth. As artificial intelligence (AI) accelerates changes across industries, the future of work will rely on an interdisciplinary workforce that pairs technical expertise with uniquely human capabilities like creativity and collaboration. Integrating the arts into STEM is essential for national competitiveness; however, Latinos remain significantly underrepresented in these high-wage, high-growth sectors.
This executive summary highlights Latino participation in the STEAM education-to-workforce pipeline and actionable strategies for institutions and employers to close persistent gaps in access, completion, and workforce outcomes.
For the research publication and lists of Top 25 institutions graduating Latinos in STEAM, visit:
Suggested Citation:
Yan, R., Cuellarsola, L., & Santiago, D. (2026). Finding Your Workforce: Linking College Completion with U.S. Workforce Needs in Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) - Executive Summary. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education.
