The increasing presence of Latin@s is changing the demographic, political, socio-cultural, economic and educational landscape in the United States. According to the US 2000 Census, the Latino population has grown from 22.4 million in 1990 to 35.3 million in 2000. While Latin@s increased 57.8%, the total US population increased only 13.1%. Traditionally, US Latin@s concentrated in Texas, California, Florida, New York, New Mexico, but now are spreading all over the United States.

The growth impacts all sectors of the economy, with businesses changing strategies to attract Latin@s as consumers. Similarly, Latin@s are becoming an important presence in the educational pipeline. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE), Latin@s are projected to be nearly 20% of all US high school graduates by 2017-18, while White non-Latinos will be 58%; and African Americans, 13%. Educational institutions around the country recognize the challenges of the demographic shift and are trying to understand the issues affecting Latin@s.

Although Latin@s constitute only 2% of the Ohio population, their growth rate is noticeable. For instance, the Latino population in Franklin County increased 63% in 1990-2000; Latino public high school graduates are projected to increase from 1,316 in academic year 2000-01 to 3,842 in 2017-18. Beyond demographics, issues such as diverse national origins, language, culture, and adaptation need to be addressed.

The Latino community is diverse: individuals come from Spanish-speaking countries, or are US-born. They migrate to obtain an education, or to work legally or illegally. Undocumented Latino immigrants face a number of problems, among them, gaining access to higher education for their children. While many Latin@s know English, Spanish-dominant Latin@s find their language to be a barrier in obtaining a better education, and, consequently, in finding better paying jobs. Tara Fast discusses these issues in the Letter to the Editor.

Beliefs about a college degree play an influential role. If the family’s economic situation is difficult, students may attend college while working, or enroll in college later in life, instead of applying for scholarships or taking loans. Another complication is being the first generation in college, thus, lacking the emotional support and the discipline needed to complete a college education. Also, Latin@s have very close family ties and moving away to attend college is emotionally daunting. However, many eventually make new friendships and seek assistance. Ernesto Escoto, Senior Staff Counselor at Counseling and Consultation Services, discusses students’ concerns and makes suggestions for a successful transition to college life.

Ohio State is engaged in improving recruitment, retention, and enrichment of Latino students, faculty, and staff. In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Ohio State’s administration worked with the Latino community in developing and implementing the Hispanic Action Plan (HAP) to address these issues. Among HAP initiatives were creating a position in Counseling and Consultation Services, establishing a Latino Studies minor, supporting the Office of Minority Affairs’ outreach and recruitment initiatives, creating ¿Qué Pasa, OSU?, supporting cultural and leadership initiatives through Latin@ organizations and the Office of Hispanic Student Services. The Latino community and OSU’s administration continue monitoring together the needs of Latino students, making adjustments accordingly. The Needs Assessment Survey (NAS) Update presents the summary action items recently discussed by different OSU officers.

Ohio State is on the right track, taking proactive steps with the Latino community. ¿Qué Pasa, OSU? encourages using the services available at Ohio State. These were created to help us obtain our degrees.