Secretary Moniz addresses Energy Department employees and contractors gathered at the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month event, held October 14, 2014, in the Forrestal Auditorium. | Photo by Sarah Gerrity, Energy Department.

It has been 50 years since the U.S. first observed National Hispanic Heritage Week, a celebration that has grown to span a full month. However, everyone should recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans throughout the year as an essential part of American history.

In highlighting the importance of celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, President Obama said, “Hispanics are advancing our economy, improving our communities, and bettering our country.  During National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us renew our commitment to ensuring ours remains a society where the talents and potential of all its members can be fully realized.”

Our country faces great energy and climate change challenges. But we will be unable to meet these challenges unless we have the very best and brightest in this country working on these issues. Hispanics are the fastest growing group in the United States and are an integral part of our current and future workforce.

In keeping with the spirit of President Obama’s words, the Department of Energy is committed to engaging more women, girls and minorities in the energy sector through science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education. We do this through public-private partnerships like the Minorities in Energy Initiative, Women @ Energy and the Clean Energy Education & Empowerment Initiative, and through internships, fellowships and competitions. You can learn more about these opportunities by visiting energy.gov/diversity.