Communities need to invest in a diverse workforce

Nearly 5 million Hispanic businesses have a significant impact on the U.S. economy, contributing more than $800 billion annually, according to recent data from the National Urban League and Unidos US. These companies also play a crucial role in job creation; approximately 3 million workers are employed by Latin American-owned companies.

The remarkable growth and success of Hispanic-owned businesses highlights the importance of accessible and affordable workforce training.

According to Citigroup, the impact of systemic barriers in Black and Latinx communities has led to losses of more than $16 trillion in the U.S. economy over the past two decades due to income and wage disparities. By investing in regional workforce training programs, we can address the challenges of poverty, unemployment and underemployment that still exist in our communities.

Workforce Development Month and Hispanic Heritage Month are great reminders of the critical need for more skilled education options, especially in Pennsylvania’s third-tier cities that have a high percentage of Hispanic residents.

In Pennsylvania, 11.9% of Hispanics are unemployed. And those numbers are even higher in counties with third-tier cities. Compare this to the 5.4% unemployment rate for whites. Compounding the problem is the fact that 28.35% of Hispanics in Pennsylvania do not have a high school diploma, making it even more difficult to obtain family-supporting jobs that offer a living wage and related benefits.

The Tec Centro Workforce Network is making progress in addressing this issue. Founded in 2023, it already has locations in Berks, Lancaster (home to two centers), Lebanon and York counties, with another soon to be added in Dauphin. Each of the six locations is a self-governing 501(c)3 organization with its own local government.

Tec Centro Berks specifically offers tuition-free, bilingual adult primary education and workforce training in careers in high demand in the local community, including areas such as allied health, culinary arts and digital literacy. These career options offer full-time employment that offers family-sustaining wages and benefits.

Adult students typically pay a nominal processing fee for their program, while the actual costs – which often amount to thousands of dollars – are subsidized by the center through a combination of charitable contributions, government grants, the Neighborhood Assistance program and philanthropy.

Most importantly, Tec Centro’s doors are open to everyone, regardless of race, education, income or any other factor. The demographics of those served vary from location to location, but primarily include diverse cultures, bilingual and non-English speakers who are often unemployed or underemployed and living at or below the poverty line.

Tec Centro is critical in helping local employers meet workforce demands, which helps sustain their businesses and contribute productively to the region’s economic vitality. And while venues are expanding their programs as quickly as possible, the waitlist far exceeds our ability to meet demand. Across all locations, there are currently more than 2,200 individuals on our waitlist, and more than $8 million is needed to fund this waitlist.

I urge our communities, leaders and legislators to recognize the strong connection between workforce development and celebrating Hispanic heritage. Diversity should be valued, celebrated and elevated, and this includes our growing Hispanic population. We must recognize the growing need for adequate and accessible workforce training to provide our multicultural and marginalized communities with greater opportunities for a living wage.

The two go hand in hand. A strong, healthy community comes from a strong, healthy workforce, and vice versa.

The Tec Centro Workforce Network has created a valuable blueprint for how communities can effectively come together to support a skilled workforce. But growing this movement within our existing locations and into additional cities and states will require a concerted effort of public and private partnerships and financing.

Whether you are a business owner, community leader, elected official, or someone who could benefit from workforce training services, you have the power to be an advocate. Make your voice heard, share your ideas, and actively participate in finding more solutions for workforce training in our Commonwealth. The future of our community and economy depends on it.

Violet Emory is executive director of Tec Centro Berks, one of six locations within the Tec Centro Workforce Network serving five counties including Berks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon and York.