Encouraging Hispanic Youth to pursue careers in Math & Science.

Hispanic women account for just 34,200, or about 1 percent, of the 3.54 million scientists and engineers employed in the United States, according to the National Science Foundation. How do we change that?

As the source for quality Hispanic engineers and technical talent, the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) is tackling that very question in efforts to increase the pipeline of Hispanics in math and science careers. The Advancing Hispanic Excellence in Technology, Engineering, Math and Science (AHETEMS) Foundation of SHPE has partnered with author Edna Campos Gravenhorst on a new 12-book series written to encourage and inspire Hispanic students in math, science and engineering.

“The connection is obvious: the U.S. needs more engineers and the Hispanic population is growing at an increasingly rapid pace. SHPE is the source to bridge that gap and expand that pipeline by E3 — elementary to engineer to executive,” said Diana Gomez, national president of SHPE.

“Young girls, especially Hispanic girls, are not flocking to math and science fields, and we want to change that. This book series is a step in that direction.”

Gomez is one of 12 Latina engineers profiled in the first book of the series, Ay Mija! Why Do You Want To Be An Engineer?, targeting Hispanic girls in middle and high school. Newly released, the book tells encouraging stories of women who have overcome obstacles to obtain success in engineering, including Laurie Yvette Carrillo, materials engineer at NASA-Johnson Space Center; Annette Desarden-Carrero, industrial engineer supervisor at United Parcel Service (UPS); and Paula R. Alves, mineral scientist at Imerys Pigments.

“I am honored to be among those whose stories are brilliantly unfolded in this book. It is my hope that current and future generations of young Latinas are both inspired by the strength of these female role models to continue reaching for excellence and equally motivated to never give up in spite of the challenges they face,” said Gomez.

Each of the 12 books will cover math, science, engineering and technology, and targets either Hispanic young men or women. The second book, expected to be released by March 2007, will profile successful Hispanic male engineers.

Ay Mija! Why Do You Want To Be An Engineer? is available at:

http://www.shpe.org