iBendito: Why English fluency is essential for Puerto Rico’s growth

iBendito — no, it’s not the latest Apple product from Puerto Rico, but rather a playful nod to the beloved phrase “ay bendito,” which captures the spirit of Puerto Rico’s humor and resilience.

At a past presentation at the University of Puerto Rico Río Piedras I-Corps event, this tongue-in-cheek joke connected technology to cultural identity, highlighting the unique blend of innovation and tradition that defines the island.

But while this spirit is celebrated, there is a serious challenge Puerto Rico must face to fully embrace its future: the urgent need for English fluency across the workforce and society.

STEM — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — is globally recognized as the cornerstone of modern workforce development. These fields drive innovation, economic growth and competitive industries worldwide. Excelling in STEM is crucial for preparing students and professionals to participate in the technology-driven economies shaping the future.

As Puerto Rico enters a new era of workforce development and economic opportunity, English fluency stands out as a critical pillar to tie together the island’s advances in innovation and technology.

The recent STEM IMD World Talent Ranking shows Puerto Rico is making meaningful progress in developing skills in these essential fields. However, this advancement risks being undermined by a widespread lack of English proficiency, which creates barriers to scaling innovation, attracting investment and integrating fully into the global economy.

STEM education is increasingly recognized as the foundation for preparing students to meet rapidly evolving industrial demands. Universities worldwide are reforming curricula to emphasize practical, interdisciplinary learning that equips graduates to thrive in technology-driven environments.

Puerto Rico is no exception. Its universities are upgrading programs and fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems to prepare students for a digital economy that requires both technical expertise and strong English communication.

Yet, despite these advances, English remains an underutilized asset on the island. Puerto Rico is not just a local economy; it is connected to global markets and technologies where English is the common language.

Without widespread English fluency, Puerto Rican businesses, health care providers, public institutions and entrepreneurs face communication barriers limiting their ability to compete internationally and fully benefit from STEM progress.

Despite Puerto Rico’s political affiliation with the United States for over a century and English being part of the official school curriculum, only about 20% of the population is considered fully bilingual or fluent in English — a figure that has remained relatively steady since the late 20th century.

A 1997 academic study explained this resistance largely as a cultural phenomenon tied to Puerto Rican identity and nationalism, which makes English adoption a political and emotional issue rather than just a practical one.

Recent data from 2024 confirms that while about half the population can speak English conversationally, only 5% use it regularly at home, showing that deep daily fluency remains limited.

This enduring gap highlights how cultural pride and political uncertainty continue to shape attitudes toward English, creating real barriers to workforce development and economic integration despite formal education efforts.

Too often, English is still viewed through cultural resistance or colonial resentment, slowing its everyday use. However, this hesitation carries real costs. Examples include premium costs for legal document translation, difficulty finding English-speaking medical personnel, and 911 emergency response not being bilingual. These obstacles impact public safety, economic development and quality of life.

Viewing English as a core workforce development element is not about losing cultural identity but about expanding opportunity. Global leaders understand bilingualism — especially English fluency — is a prerequisite for economic growth.

Economically successful countries invest heavily in language education to ensure citizens can participate fully in international business, research and technology.

Puerto Rico’s STEM advancement is promising but must be matched by a comprehensive effort to increase English fluency in public and private sectors. This integration will unify the island’s innovation landscape, enabling collaboration, improving services and creating a workforce capable of global competition.

The time has come for Puerto Rico to move beyond resistance and see English proficiency as the strategic bridge linking talent with opportunity. STEM lights the way, but English fluency paves the road forward — connecting Puerto Rico to commerce, technology and a brighter future.

To realize its full economic potential, Puerto Rico must break down linguistic barriers with optimism, determination and commitment to bilingual excellence. The promise is within reach — now is the time to seize it.