[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 62 (Thursday, April 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2096-S2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. PADILLA (for himself, Mr. Menendez, Ms. Cortez Masto, Mr. 
        Heinrich, Mrs. Feinstein, Mr. Durbin, Mr. Murphy, and Ms. 
        Rosen):
  S. 4068. A bill to promote and support collaboration between 
Hispanic-serving institutions and local educational agencies with high 
enrollments of Hispanic or Latino students, and for other purposes; to 
the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
  Mr. PADILLA. Mr. President, I rise to speak in support of the 
Hispanic Educational Resources and Empowerment Act of 2022, which I 
introduced today.
  Hispanic-serving institutions provide incredible opportunities for 
millions of low-income and first-generation students. I am proud that 
my State of California is home to 174 HSls and 51 emerging HSls, the 
most in the country. That is why I launched the first-ever Senate HSI 
Caucus with my colleague, Senator Menendez--to spotlight and advocate 
for the 559 HSIs across our country. These critical institutions 
educate our future leaders and help to build a more diverse and 
inclusive workforce.
  Over the last 2 years, the number of HSls in our country declined for 
the first time in two decades. A decrease in higher education 
enrollment among Latino students during the COVID-19 pandemic has led 
to the decrease in the number of HSls, illustrating the need to invest 
in Latino youth. That is why I am introducing the HERE Act.
  If enacted, this bill would support Latino students throughout 
secondary and postsecondary education. Specifically, the HERE Act would 
provide $150 million for grants to create partnerships between HSls and 
K-12 school districts that serve large populations of Latino students.
  Schools could use this funding to provide academic support that 
better prepares students for postsecondary education. They could create 
new programs to foster a college-going culture by exposing students and 
their families to postsecondary opportunities. And they could better 
support students through the college application and transition 
process. Additionally, schools could use grants to address non-academic 
needs that serve as barriers to college enrollment and completion--such 
as childcare, food insecurity, financial hardship, and more.
  Latinos are the largest, youngest, and second fastest growing 
minority population in the United States. While making up 18 percent of 
our country's population, Latinos comprise 26 percent of 
prekindergarten through grade 12 enrollment. Latino students are going 
to college more than ever before,

[[Page S2097]]

but they still face lower educational outcomes, including lower grades, 
lower scores on standardized tests, and higher dropout rates.
  As a Senator representing one of the most diverse States in the 
country, I am proud to work with my leagues to ensure the American 
dream is a reality for every student.
  I want to thank Congressman Joaquin Castro for introducing this bill 
with me, and I hope our colleagues will join us in support of this 
effort to empower Latino youth.

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