Each year we recognize the contributions and the important presence of Hispanic and Latinx Americans in the United States from September 15 through October 15. And this year is no different as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s Office of Economic Impact and Diversity (ED) hosts its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, DOE offices and laboratories recognize the contributions of Hispanic and Latinx scientists and researchers, all while ensuring hiring and retention of Hispanics and Latinx in the Federal workforce remains a top priority.

Our goal is to make sure that the DOE workforce looks like the American population, prioritizes underserved and overburdened communities, and ensure equity is the cornerstone in the clean energy transition.

We are UNIDOS!

ED hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration themed "UNIDOS: Inclusivity for a Stronger Nation." The program highlighted the Department’s efforts to ensure that all voices are not only represented and welcomed but heard.

Secretary Granholm provided opening remarks, offering support to underrepresented and overburdened communities, as well as those Hispanics impacted from the devastation of Hurricane Ian. “We must inclusively pour into these essentially overlooked communities worth seeing in our quest to be equitable and just to all we serve,” said Secretary Granholm.

Dr. Carlos, Cortes-Professor Emeritus of History at the University of California, Riverside, gave the keynote address sharing insights on the difference between equitable and conditional inclusivity. "We need not be accepted, tolerated or exoticized, but profoundly respected for said authenticity adds to the community, organization and our nation," said Dr. Cortes.

Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm acknowledged staff and family members affected by Hurricane Ian in Puerto Rico and Florida, while reminding us that the Department is working every day on inclusive change.
Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm acknowledged staff and family members affected by Hurricane Ian in Puerto Rico and Florida, while reminding us that the Department is working every day on inclusive change.

Opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx Workers

DOE continues to offer excellent employment opportunities for Hispanic and Latinx workers while reducing the barriers to Federal employment and fighting climate change. To properly lead this charge in innovation and ingenuity, we need a clean energy workforce that looks like America.

DOE released its first DEIA Equity Action Plan which aims to decrease access to employment barriers and restructure programs and policies to provide more opportunities for underrepresented groups within the Department.

We recognize the important contributions that Hispanic and Latinx workers are making, understand that they play a critical role in meeting our justice and equality goals, and are vital to the national labor force. That’s why we are recruiting over 1,000 employees to include industry veterans, experienced technical experts, and the next generation of climate leaders through the Clean Energy Corps.

Left to Right: Jose Delgado, Deputy Director, Counterintelligence Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Dr. Beatriz Cuartas NGFP Federal Program Manager & MSIPP Federal Director National Nuclear Security Administration Co-President-(CALDOE), Edward Rios Commercialization Executive Office of Technology Transitions and Carla Piedra Statistician/Project Manager Office of Survey Operations Energy Information Administration during DOE’s Hispanic Heritage Month panel discussion.

Left to Right: Jose Delgado, Deputy Director, Counterintelligence Office of Intelligence and Counterintelligence, Dr. Beatriz Cuartas NGFP Federal Program Manager & MSIPP Federal Director National Nuclear Security Administration Co-President-(CALDOE), Edward Rios Commercialization Executive Office of Technology Transitions and Carla Piedra Statistician/Project Manager Office of Survey Operations Energy Information Administration during DOE’s Hispanic Heritage Month panel discussion.

The Work Continues

DOE offices are focused on implementing our equity and justice initiatives and carrying out President Biden’s equity and DEIA executive orders. The Department is prioritizing underrepresented and overburdened communities, colleges and university programs, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) programs to build a diverse pipeline of future workers.

In Fiscal Year 2021 and 2022, the Department invested $71 million in Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) towards research, internships, and visiting faculty programs and $56 million in Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to expand student internship, fellowship, and postdoctoral opportunities.

Additionally, the Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program (MSIPP) supports STEM students ranging from K-12 to the postdoctoral level. The MSIPP supports Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and builds academic alliances and partnerships across HBCUs, MSIs, and Nuclear Security Enterprise partners. A comprehensive list of open funding, prize, and competition opportunities by program office can be accessed by clicking here.

The DOE is proud and grateful to celebrate the contributions and incredible legacies of Hispanics and Latins in America and at the Department. DOE's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration is one of the many initiatives implemented by ED to unify employees and ensure all voices are represented. We are excited about advancing equity and tackling the climate crisis through equity-centered solutions. To learn more about our efforts and stay informed about upcoming events, visit our website.