Building HSIs' Capacity to Raise Latinx Computing Attainment through Federal Policy Efforts

Although traditionally underfunded and overlooked in federal, state, and local policy efforts, Hispanic- Serving Institutions (HSIs) play a central role in shaping the ecosystem of the nation's STEM workforce by preparing disproportionately high shares of Latinx, African American, and Native American STEM graduates [4]. Enrolling more than 25% Latinx students, HSIs can play a critical role in preparing Latinx communities to pursue computing fields and increasing the diversity of the computing workforce. Despite their documented success at producing racially minoritized STEM graduates, research about why HSIs and other MSIs are so effective at producing high shares of STEM and computing graduates is scant [4]. This paper integrates the perspectives of computer science education research, higher education organizational change, and research on HSIs to demonstrate their potential to shape participation and policy in computing and technology. It employs scholarship about a nationally funded alliance as a case study to illustrate how research can inform policy and support student success.