Using education to unlock potential for Hispanic-Americans

Today marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month. Each year, we celebrate the important contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the United States. Countless generations have had a profound and positive influence on our country through their strong commitment to family, faith, hard work and service. As more Hispanic-Americans become CEOs, policymakers and community leaders, we will continue to prove that ours remains a nation where anyone can achieve success, regardless of background or circumstances.

Over the last few decades, Hispanic-Americans have enhanced and shaped our nation and its character in profound ways. However, there is still much more that we, and future generations, can achieve. As a former Florida certified teacher, I believe that ensuring that our children have the opportunity to improve their lives through a dynamic and robust education is essential to their continued success and that of our community going forward.

{mosads}Education has been a lifelong journey for me, one that has inspired me and opened doors I never dreamed of. It was while working as a teacher that I discovered my passion for public service and gained an understanding of the real issues that affect families in our South Florida community. Over the years, many families in South Florida, who like me came to this country after escaping the brutal Castro regime in Cuba, have also realized their dreams by taking advantage of the educational opportunities available in our nation. In the process, our community has been transformed into a thriving cultural and economic hub.

As a member of Congress, I am committed to ensuring that the promises of education still hold true for current and future generations of Hispanic-Americans. To achieve this objective, we must ensure that parents, teachers and administrators have the resources they need to provide a world-class education to our children. I will continue to advocate for legislation that creates more flexibility and provides school districts, in Miami and around the country, the tools necessary to ensure our children have a quality education that prepares them for the future. As science and technology become more prominent in our economic life, we must also ensure that from an early age, our children are learning the skills they need to compete in an increasingly globalized and information-driven economy.

Every year, more Hispanic students continue to make inroads in college enrollment. According to the Pew Research Center, in the last 20 years, the number of Hispanic students between 18 and 24 years of age enrolling in college has increased from 22 percent to 35 percent. In 2014, there were 2.3 million Hispanic college students. These numbers are heartening, but they also present new challenges. As higher education costs rise, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure that college is accessible and affordable. Obtaining a college education transformed my life and I will do everything in my power to ensure that young students can also utilize the power of an education to transform their futures.

We live in a great nation, a country where, through education, an 8-year-old political refugee like me was able to become the first Hispanic woman elected to Congress and eventually the chairwoman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. This National Hispanic Heritage Month, I encourage people of all backgrounds to celebrate the important contributions of Hispanic-Americans to the fabric of our country. As we celebrate the lives of men and women who have made a mark in our communities and our nation, I hope you will also join me in encouraging our children to use the power of education to unlock their potential and achieve their goals and dreams.

Ros-Lehtinen represents Florida’s 27th District. She sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.