Congressional Hispanic Caucus Board Chair, Rep. Charles Gonzalez, Education the Key for Latinos

The Congressional Hispanic Caucus’s new Board Chair, Rep. Charles A. Gonzalez, begins his thirteenth year in Congress with a focus on providing opportunities for young Latinos to achieve the American Dream.

Eager to lead the community to greater success and prosperity, Gonzalez shares his vision for the Latino community, the Caucus, and more in an exclusive interview for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) where he noted the following regarding the key role education plays in his vision for the Latino community:

What is your vision for the Latino Community?

My vision for our community is a highly-educated workforce that contributes to all sectors of the 21st century economy.

For years the Hispanic population has been growing faster than any other demographic in America. It’s no secret; this trend has been closely monitored and discussed for more than three decades. By 2020, the Latino population is estimated to reach 65 million or 20 percent of the U.S. population. Half of all new workers entering the labor market will be Hispanic five years later.

Latino issues are mainstream issues. Our responsibility for America’s future success is paramount. We need to ensure that our community is prepared to work, to lead, to prosper so that America remains competitive in the global economy.

For my vision to become reality, we must put education first. If the current high school dropout and low college graduation rates continue, we will face a human capital crisis that imperils our nation’s standing as a global leader.

We must also dramatically increase the number of Latinos ready to assume leadership positions in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Both corporate America and government have a significant stake in the outcome.

While we work to achieve this future for Latinos, we must work together in a spirit of unity to ensure the American Dream is achievable for all Americans.