Hispanic Enrollment on the Rise; Dropouts Remain High

The report, released Sept. 5, also predicts this trend could have a negative effect on the nation's economy in 25 years.

The study, conducted by the Pew Hispanic Center -- a nonpartisan research group -- used data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey from 1997-2000.

Dianne Saenz, director of communications for the Pew Hispanic Center, said the study was conducted to assess progress in educational attainments among Hispanics.

The report found that about 42 percent of second-generation Hispanics age 18-24 who graduated from high school attended college, compared to 46 percent of whites.

The report also stated that second-generation Hispanics were more likely to go to college than foreign-born Hispanics. But only 16 percent of second-generation Hispanics who graduate from high school receive a bachelor's degree, the report stated.

Fewer Hispanics, about 1.9 percent, also pursued graduate and professional degrees, whereas 3.8 percent of whites pursued similar degrees.

Saenz said Hispanics' lack of higher education will be detrimental for the economy.

"Latinos are growing very quickly as a population group," she said. "In (25 years), up to 5 million baby boomers will retire from the work force. Eighteen million Latinos will be there to take their place.

"That's bad for the economy if they are not well-educated."

Jerry Lucido, UNC director of undergraduate admissions, said he has witnessed an increase in Hispanic enrollment at UNC. "We've seen an increase in the number of Hispanics on campus," he said. "But it is true that Latino graduation rates lag behind."

Lucido also said the Enrollment Policy Advisory Committee is expected to report initial findings on the subject at the end of the semester.

The Hispanic Scholarship Fund Institute, which partnered with the Pew Hispanic Center for the study, plans to provide policymakers with recommendations for improving Hispanic graduation rates.

UNC senior John Nichols, co-student coordinator for the Spanish House in Carmichael Residence Hall said that UNC is a comfortable place for Hispanics but that there is always room for improvement.

"The Spanish students here are really dedicated," he said. "But we should extend help to the Hispanic community through programs similar to the Spanish House. The demographics make sense, and to help them is to help the University."

The State & National Editor can be reached at stntdesk@unc.edu.