Latinos and the Future Workforce
Excelencia in Education
March 2026
Overview
Higher education has a responsibility to prepare students for a competitive and evolving workforce, yet gaps in access to quality education and career pathways persist. Latino students, the fastest-growing group of college-goers, are central to the nation’s workforce and economy. As more jobs require postsecondary credentials, institutions and employers must intentionally prepare, connect, and invest in Latino, and all, college students to ensure they are equipped to meet the nation’s economic and civic needs.
In this fact sheet, we provide a summary of key trends on Latinos in the workforce and the role of institutions in advancing workforce success and economic mobility for Latino, and all, students.
Key Trends
Latino College Enrollment & Completion: Enrollment grew from 49% to 58%, and completion grew from 23% to 41% (2000–2023).
Latinos’ Labor Force Participation: Highest among racial/ethnic groups (66%) and projected to account for 91% of new workers by 2031.
Latino Representation in the Workforce: A third (34%) of Latinos were employed in manual labor occupations, while only 26% are in management or professional positions (2023).
The Institutional Role in Workforce Preparation
Institutions are designing academic pathways, partnerships, and data-informed strategies that advance workforce success and economic mobility. As many Latino students fit a post-traditional profile—often attending part-time, working while enrolled, and balancing family responsibilities—these efforts are essential to translating education into meaningful careers.
Excelencia's fact sheet highlights four ways colleges and universities advance workforce success and economic mobility for Latino, and all, students:
Preparing Students for Workforce Success by Embedding Career Development into Academics
Linking Students to Workforce Opportunities Through Partnerships and Experiential Learning
Measuring and Tracking Outcomes to Drive Data-Informed Workforce Preparation
Advancing Economic Mobility Through Education-to-Career Pathways
Suggested Citation:
Excelencia in Education. (2026). Latinos and the Future Workforce. Washington, D.C.: Excelencia in Education.
