HACU President and CEO gives remarks at Congressional HSIs Caucus briefing

HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores provided remarks at the CHIPS and Science Act Congressional briefing hosted by the Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institutions Caucus on September 10, 2024, in Washington, D.C. The briefing examined the role HSIs serve in developing the nation’s STEM and future semiconductor workforce.

“In the area of technology and artificial intelligence as an emerging force in our economy and society means we have a lot of work to do,” said HACU President and CEO Antonio R. Flores. “Going forward, we need to ensure HSIs receive adequate, equitable investments to ensure the rapidly growing Latino workforce is well-equipped.”

Remarks were also given by  Congressman Joaquin Castro, Co-Chair of the Bipartisan Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institutions, “In 2022, I was proud to serve on a conference committee for and vote to pass the CHIPS and Science Act, a bipartisan bill designed to boost domestic manufacturing of semiconductors, which are the backbone of modern technology. Beyond the billions it provides for expanding production facilities, CHIPS is a powerful tool for workforce development, providing funding to support the next generation of STEM professionals and skilled technical workers. I was glad to host the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities, and the Department of Commerce for an important briefing to highlight the critical role that Hispanic-Serving Institutions serve in the development of our country’s technical workforce and how these institutions can use this funding to pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all.”

Also giving remarks were U.S. Department of Commerce Assistant Secretary for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs Susie Feliz. The briefing included presentations from the Department of Commerce CHIPS Program Office, and Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities Executive director Azuri L. Gonzales.



  

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, founded in 1986, represents more than 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, Spain, and school districts throughout the U.S. HACU is the only national association representing existing and emerging Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs). The Association’s headquarters are in San Antonio, Texas, with regional offices in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, California.

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