Demographic data show a dramatic increase in the U.S. Hispanic population over the past decade; early in the next century, Hispanics will become the nation's largest minority. Gains in educational attainment and economic stability and mobility have not been proportionate to this growth. By examining recent Census data and other relevant research, this article examines the relationship between Latino population trends and the impact of this growth on the economy and on education. Data show that Hispanics represent a significant segment of future workers and taxpayers who will ensure the solvency ofprivate and public services and benefits, such as Social Security. The analysis suggests that reducing inequality between Hispanics and the rest of society is an economic imperative and that increasing Hispanic educational attainment and other human capital characteristics is criticalfor the full integration of Latinos into the future U.S. work force. An undereducated, youthful, and growing Hispanic population has implications for labor force participation rates, earnings, socioeconomic stability, and the nation's social welfare. Finally, discrimination, quality of education, and poverty affect education and labor force status and must also be addressed.
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