Latino students lag their non-Hispanic counterparts in college attendance. But recent data revealed by MSNBC and the Pew Hispanic Center indicate that those numbers are improving. In 2008, Hispanics represent 12% of college students, that's 2% higher than in 2006. While these are certainly great strides, we still need to close the gap to reach at least 15% - equal to our national population composition.
The reasons for the improvement depend on who you speak to. Some note that Bush's No Child Left Behind legislation helped improve performance in inner city schools. Others say that a migration form English as a Second Language programs to intense English immersions bettered the chances of Hispanic children to succeed.
Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that a greater number of Latino college graduates will only strengthen this community's power both politically and as consumers. If there was ever a question about the continued existence of the American Dream, look no further than Latino advancement as an indication.
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