Students can’t be expected to know what they can’t see. We know that a student’s K-12 years can be turbulent, and having the added pressure of grades and a future career is overwhelming and has led to mental health struggles. Now add the negativity that marginalized students face, and it’s even easier to see them become discouraged.
This is where the power of representation becomes critical—not only to foster belonging but also to inspire students to imagine possibilities beyond their current environment. When students see thriving role models who share their backgrounds, it reinforces the belief that they too can succeed.
Pew Research Center recently revealed statistics that shed light on the importance of representation for Hispanic students and what it takes to attract them to STEM fields. Here are some key insights for principals as they strive to encourage their diverse student bodies.
Why Representation Matters
Pew Research Center“80% of Hispanic adults say that young Hispanic people would be more likely to pursue a STEM degree if they saw more examples of Hispanic high achievers in STEM.”
This staggeringly high number of Hispanic people offers insights into how school principals can better serve and encourage these students.
Thankfully, there are several ways principals can showcase representation for their students by reaching out to their community:
- Invite Hispanic STEM Role Models into Schools: Principals can connect with Hispanic professionals in STEM to visit the school and speak at events to show students real-world examples of success they can strive for.
- Showcase Hispanic STEM Success Stories: Principals can showcase Hispanic alumni or local professionals in lesson plans, newsletters, and social media to provide more examples of how students of similar backgrounds can also thrive in STEM.
- Build Mentorship Programs: Mentorship initiatives can serve as a tool for Hispanic professionals to connect with students and provide guidance and encouragement for those interested in STEM careers.
Champion Success with Hispanic STEM Educators
Reaching out to the community isn’t the only way principals can reinforce positive representation. With 69% of Hispanic adults believing a Hispanic high school STEM teacher would encourage other Hispanic students to enter STEM, principals must consider the presence of Hispanic teachers within their schools. By proactively including Hispanic teachers when recruiting leaders for STEM subjects, Hispanic students are more likely to feel supported and encouraged to grow their knowledge and skills in the classroom.
Principals can also offer Hispanic teachers professional development training to keep them up to date on STEM knowledge and resources so that they can act as mentors for students. By fostering an environment that encourages diversity among staff, principals can foster long-lasting interest in STEM among students who might not have otherwise imagined it for themselves.
Turn Bias into Belonging
Unfortunately, the Pew Research Center found that 43% of Hispanic STEM employees reported negative experiences in school, citing the following reasons:
- “Someone treated them as if they could not understand these subjects
- Someone made them feel like they didn’t belong in these classes
- Someone made repeated negative comments or slights about their race or ethnicity”
With Hispanic students at such a risk for experiencing bias and stereotypes in school, principals must take action to prevent this behavior.
First, principals must establish clear anti-bias policies with outlined responses to discriminatory behavior at both the staff and student levels. Schools will also benefit from cultural sensitivity training to ensure staff can become aware of and identify any biases they may witness.
Alongside these anti-discrimination policies, principals can also find ways to celebrate Hispanic culture, such as hosting events during Hispanic Heritage Month. By designing a school climate that celebrates different identities, students will have a better understanding of one another and an increased sense of belonging.
Success Through Inclusive Representation
Creating an inclusive environment where students see themselves reflected in their teachers and mentors is essential for inspiring success. By taking deliberate steps to celebrate diversity, build mentorship programs, and recruit diverse educators, schools can create pathways where all students feel valued, supported, and capable of achieving their dreams.
