Since taking office, the Biden-Harris Administration has created nearly 16 million jobs, unemployment among Latinos is at a record low, and Latino entrepreneurs have started new businesses at the fastest rate in over 25 years. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Raimondo and Deputy Secretary Graves participated in two events that both honored these achievements. They reiterated the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to building a skilled and diverse workforce and a future of economic prosperity for generations of Latinos.

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, Secretary Raimondo joined Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) CEO Dr. Antonio Flores in signing an MOU to help advance opportunities for Latino students, particularly in the semiconductor industry. As part of the implementation of the CHIPS and Science Act, Secretary Raimondo has called on colleges and universities to triple the number of graduates in careers in semiconductor-related fields, including engineering and tech-related fields. The MOU will establish a roadmap to support educational equity, economic opportunity, and workforce development for Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and the Hispanic/Latino community.

“Hispanic-Serving Institutions play an important role in building a skilled and diverse semiconductor workforce,” said Secretary Raimondo. “With this MOU, we’re working towards building the talent we need while also bridging gaps in access and opportunity for Hispanic students.”

Deputy Secretary Don Graves also discussed equity, diversity, and the need to include everyone in strengthening our Nation’s prosperity. At the Commerce Department’s Second Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception, he highlighted three Commerce programs that are providing funding to the Hispanic community and other communities that are often left behind.

• The Minority Business and Development Agency’s (MBDA) $125 million Capital Readiness Program funds incubators and accelerators with expertise to get minority and other underserved entrepreneurs the resources, tools, and technical assistance they need to start or scale their businesses.
• The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA) $50 billion Internet for All initiative is connecting everyone in America to quality, reliable, and affordable high-speed Internet service. About $3 billion goes towards equity-focused programs, and more than $250 million goes to HSIs.  
• The National Institute for Standards and Technology’s (NIST) $50 billion CHIPS for America program aims to make America a leader in semiconductor manufacturing. The program requires companies receiving funding to develop pathways into the industry for communities that all too often have been left behind and that make minority and other underserved businesses a vital part of these ecosystems.

“The Biden-Harris Administration has been historic and productive for the American people,” said Deputy Secretary Graves. “We’re making major investments in infrastructure, boosting domestic manufacturing, and ensuring everyone can share in our Nation’s prosperity.”

The Biden Administration and the Commerce Department are committed to equality and diversity and creating an economy that works for all Americans. Please read President Biden’s Proclamation on National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2024.