For Immediate Release: January 28, 2025
Contact: media@hispanicfederation.org
Hispanic Federation Announces New Funding for Workforce Development Programs
Miami, FL – Today, the Hispanic Federation announced a new one-million-dollar grant from Google.org (the company’s philanthropy). The funding will go toward the Latino Digital Accelerator, a workforce development initiative run by Hispanic Federation. Through the program, Hispanic Federation partners with organizations across the country focused on serving the Latino community to assist in developing and implementing workforce development training programs for the tech sector. This year’s grant will support 20 organizations as they seek to train 3,000 thousand people with digital skills and educate them on artificial intelligence.
Today, Latinos are equal to approximately one-fifth of the U.S. workforce, yet only roughly 8% of STEM workers are Latino. To help more Latinos access opportunities in the tech sector, Google.org has provided $5 million to the Hispanic Federation’s Latino Digital Accelerator since 2019. Today, Hispanic Federation has received support from 10 companies for the Latino Digital Accelerator program and partnered with 52 community-based organizations to train roughly 30,000 people to be able to work with technology, which has led to an average salary increase of $10,500.
“We know that the lack of Latino participation in the tech sector is not because of a lack of interest, it is because of a lack of access to the equipment or quality curriculum that is also culturally responsive,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation. “I am thankful to the team at Google for recognizing the importance of supporting Latinos and the people who will need to staff tech jobs in the future. Because of Google’s foundational support, we were able to build partnerships with decision-makers who were interested in stepping up to increase access to quality equipment and curriculum in a way that was responsive to our communities.”
“Google believes the opportunities created by technology should be available to everyone. We’re excited about how AI will help more Americans innovate, grow, and advance their economic mobility,” said Hector Mujica, Head of Americas Philanthropy, Google.org. “We’re proud to support the Hispanic Federation’s efforts to enable more people to access AI training and learn job-ready skills for well-paying careers.”
You can find a recording of the press conference here, select photos from the event here, and b-roll from Miami EdTech can be available upon request.
“Google’s support through the Hispanic Federation strengthens our ability to address the digital divide impacting Latinos, aligning with our mission to ensure equitable access to technology and education. Together, we’re empowering Miami’s Latino community to thrive in a tech-driven future.” said Carlos Vazquez – Founder & CEO, Miami EdTech
“Since 2019, the support from the Hispanic Federation and Google has transformed the way El Centro Hispano empowers our community. Through access to resources, training, and opportunities, we’ve helped over 356 workers and entrepreneurs gain critical digital skills, paving the way for economic stability and entrepreneurship. We have been able to complement our Technical Training programs and initiatives within Durham and Orange counties, further expanding our capacity to connect individuals with opportunities that foster growth and resilience,” said Pilar Rocha-Goldberg – President & CEO, El Centro Hispano North Carolina. “This partnership demonstrates the power of technology to break down barriers, improve quality of life, and build a future where the Latino community in North Carolina thrives in the digital age.”
“Entrepreneurship is a pathway to prosperity, and digital literacy is a crucial component for entrepreneurship. This is why we have digital literacy in everything we do. It is essential that we equip people with the skills they need so that they can grow their businesses,” said Liz Gutierrez, CEO and Founder of Enterprising Latinas.
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About Hispanic Federation
Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, committed to empowering and advancing the Hispanic community, with a focus on low-income, marginalized, and immigrant Latinos. With programs in 42 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the District of Columbia, HF’s focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
