Policy Priorities

Our Why

For Latine students and families, the lack of representation in classrooms and decision-making spaces creates barriers to opportunity. When educators, principals, district leaders, and school board members reflect the lived experiences of their communities, schools become places of belonging, possibility, and excellence.

Representation isn’t symbolic; it’s systemic. A multilingual, multicultural educator workforce ensures every student, regardless of background, benefits from a richer learning environment and is prepared to thrive in a global economy.

Representation

21%

Latine students make up over 21% of K-12 enrollment in North Carolina.

Engagement

28%

reading proficiency for MLs (vs 57% all students)

Adequate Funding

51^st

North Carolina's national ranking in school funding

Postsecondary Pathways

of university enrollment students are Latine

Latines are the fastest-growing demographic in NC, increasing by 25% in the last decade. Since 2000, nearly all public school enrollment growth has come from Latine students. Yet, they continue to be severely unrepresented in the education work force and leadership positions.

Our Policy Priorities

LatinxEd’s policy priorities are rooted in a powerful truth: our communities can no longer wait. The time for transformational change in public education is now. REAP is more than a framework.

Representation: Deepen Investment in Multilingual & Multicultural Educator Workforce.

of teachers are Latinx

<1%

of school boards are Latinx

of principals are Latinx

Why Representation Matters:

Students who see themselves reflected in educators have higher self-esteem, stronger academic outcomes, and lower dropout rates.

Systemic Impact:

Without representation, policies and practices often fail to reflect the realities of Latine families, perpetuating cultural isolation and inequity.

For North Carolina's Future:

Preparing students for a dynamic global economy requires leaders who understand and reflect our state’s diversity.

Download the Representation Policy Priority One Pager

Engagement: Expand Language Access and Family Engagement

Language should never be a barrier to belonging. Latine students, multilingual learners (MLLs), and immigrant families face isolation when schools fail to provide equitable access to communication, resources, and decision making.

31%

Growth in MLs over 4 years

28%

reading proficiency for MLs (vs 57% all students)

15%

chronic absenteeism among MLs

Family Partnerships Drive Success:

When families are engaged, students are more likely to achieve academically, attend school regularly, and graduate prepared for college or career.

Systemic Impact:

Only 28% (reading) and 34% (math) of MLs in grades 3–8 are proficient, compared to 57% and 59% of all students.

Stronger Workforce:

Today's multilingual learners are tomorrow's leaders. Ensuring their families can fully engage strengthens North Carolina's global competitiveness.

Download the Engagement Policy Priority One Pager

Adequate Funding: Fully Fund and Support Public Schools

Strong public schools are the foundation of thriving communities, civic participation, and long-term economic mobility. Every child deserves access to a high-quality education — no matter their zip code, background, or family income.

51^st

NC's national ranking in school funding

62.5%

of students qualify for free/reduced lunch

87%

graduation rate (82% for economically disadvantaged)

Generational Opportunity:

Fully funding schools closes gaps in graduation, readiness, and workforce preparation for historically excluded communities.

Underfunding Crisis:

NC ranks 48th nationally in funding levels and 49th in effort (share of state budget dedicated to schools). Per-pupil spending lags far behind the national average.

Delivering on the Constitution:

North Carolina guarantees every child a "sound, basic education." Fully funding schools is not generosity. It is a constitutional obligation.

Download the Adequate Funding Policy Priority One Pager

Postsecondary Pathways: Increase Postsecondary Access & Workforce Development

Postsecondary education is a bridge to economic mobility, but for too many Latine students and families, the bridge is blocked by cost, immigration status, and systemic barriers. Expanding access to higher education and workforce pathways is not just about fairness; it is essential to North Carolina’s economic future.

16%

of community college enrollment are Latine

of university enrollment students are Latine

22.5%

more likely to cite cost as biggest barrier

Economic Growth:

By 2030, Latines will need to earn 6.2 million degrees nationally for the U.S. to reclaim global leadership in college attainment.

Demographic Growth:

Latines make up 10% of NC's total population (11th largest in the U.S.). The median age of Latines is 30 years old, disproportionately young, meaning they are central to the state's future workforce.

Latine Success Equals State Success:

NC's economic future depends on expanding pathways for Latine students to complete college and enter high-demand careers.

Download the Postsecondary Pathways Policy Priority One Pager

Representation Isn’t Symbolic — It’s Systemic.

Policy Initiatives Rooted in Action