Washington, D.C. -- After decades of under-representation, Hispanics are entering federal service in record numbers according to a report submitted to the President today by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The report, Statistical Information on Hispanic Employment in Federal Agencies, is a "report card" that helps the President track results and holds agencies accountable by providing a semi-annual accounting of the progress each Cabinet-level department and major agency has made.

"The report illustrates that progress is being made. Federal agencies are hiring a larger percentage of Hispanic-Americans than in previous years, with the number of Hispanic hires having increased substantially," OPM Director Kay Coles James said. "This is the result of the President's firm commitment to create a workforce that looks like America and our development and implementation of a comprehensive outreach strategy to see that it happens." The growth in Hispanic hires represents a 58.1% increase in FY 2002.

As a key component of the President's Management Agenda, OPM holds agencies accountable for efforts to diversify their workforce, including their success with respect to mission-critical occupations and leadership positions. As part of the agency-wide reorganization, OPM has integrated strategic diversity efforts with interagency human capital programs to ensure a seamless and integrated approach to hiring and retaining a truly diverse workforce.

"The Bush Administration's commitment to increase diversity within the Federal workplace has never been stronger." James noted, "At OPM, we provide policy guidance and pro-active support to help agencies address Hispanic under-representation and to increase diversity government-wide."

In addition to statistical information, the current report also highlights the strategies employed by agencies that have been successful in hiring Hispanics - the Department of the Treasury, Department of Justice, and Social Security Administration.

"We encourage agencies to use the information in this report to strengthen their Hispanic recruitment and employee retention initiatives," James concluded. "Through unwavering commitment and sustained effort, the Federal Government can and will continue to attract talented Hispanics to work for America. We can and must do more. Working together with responsible partner organizations, we will achieve the President's vision."

As Chair of the Interagency Task Force on Hispanic Employment in the Federal Government, Director James shared this report with task force members at their Thursday June 26, 2003 meeting, which was held at the White House. The task force, established by Executive Order 13171, focuses on best practices and key areas of recruitment and removing barriers to advancement.

For a copy of the report, please call Rusty Asher on 202-606-2402.

Our mission is to ensure the Federal Government has an effective civilian workforce. OPM supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.