OREANDA-NEWS. Sometimes it only takes one person, thing or event to spark the interest of a young mind.  It’s why AT&T and members of its Latino employee resource group HACEMOS are hosting a single day that could make a difference. They’ve invited 2,400 high school students to their HACEMOS 18th annual National High Technology Day.

The simultaneous event will take place at 35 different locations across the country at once.

“We know there is a need for more Hispanics in tech jobs. We also understand that in many cases young people in our communities need a little extra guidance to enter these fields,” says Cinthya Allen, national president, HACEMOS. “Our members are passionate about closing that gap.”  

Less than 2% of the STEM workforce is Latino. Almost 20% of the country’s youth is Latino, according to the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics. 

“Our theme this year is ‘Transforming Your Future’. We strongly believe our young people have the potential to do just that,” says Jomo Castro, regional manager of external affairs for AT&T, who is serving as 2016 National High Tech Day director.   

Programming will vary by location. Most will include an introduction to circuitry and workshops. Cyber security, mobility and AT&T technologies will be among the topics covered. Collaborations with the National Geographic Explorers and General Motors will expose students to innovative technologies and STEM careers. GM‘s connected car powered by AT&T's 4G LTE network will also be a part of High Tech Day.

This year we’re taking the event international. It will mark the first time HACEMOS hosts a High Tech Day event in Mexico City.

HACEMOS is an industry-leading Latino employee resource group at AT&T with more than 10,400 employee members in the U.S. The group first began in San Antonio, Texas in 1988. Ten years later it held its first National High Tech Day.

More than 20,000 students have participated in the event to date.