Career-focused high schools may help disinterested boys

At Harvard H. Ellis Technical High School in Connecticut, students spend their days learning carpentry, welding, and other trades, a far cry from the traditional classroom setting. For many boys, such schools offer a path to success that traditional high schools have failed to provide. A 2024 study found that male students in technical high schools in Connecticut and Massachusetts graduated at higher rates than their peers in regular high schools, with the gap widening for boys compared to girls. The findings have reignited debates over whether expanding career and technical education could help close the achievement gap for boys, while also addressing concerns about gender imbalances in vocational training.

The appeal of such schools lies in their hands-on approach. “They see the purpose in what they’re doing,” said Michael Crocco, superintendent of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System. “They can take what they learn in the classroom and put it into practice immediately.” This practical focus may resonate more with boys, who often struggle in traditional academic settings. Smaller class sizes and dedicated trade instructors also contribute to the success of these programs, according to educators.

Yet, expanding these programs faces significant challenges. Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, estimates that building 1,000 new technical high schools would cost about $4 billion annually, based on Connecticut’s per-student funding model. That doesn’t include construction costs or the need for specialized equipment. Skeptics argue that alternative solutions, like expanding existing programs or offering night classes, might be more cost-effective. Still, Reeves and others argue that the existing evidence—such as a New York City study showing males in vocational schools were 10 percentage points more likely to earn associate degrees—justifies the investment.

While technical schools benefit boys, they also face criticism for their male-dominated enrollments. In Connecticut, 70% of technical high school students are male, a trend that Reeves suggests may be intentional. “Given the evidence that vocational education benefits boys more than girls, perhaps it’s a good thing that the schools skew male,” he said. However, efforts to attract more girls have led to increases in female enrollment in some states, including Massachusetts, where gender parity is approaching in certain programs.

Despite these efforts, attracting girls to male-dominated trades remains a challenge. Surveys show that many women still opt for lower-paying jobs in education and healthcare due to societal expectations and fears of harassment. Federal law requires states to address gender imbalances in career and technical education, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, teacher shortages in high-demand fields like manufacturing and IT further complicate expansion efforts.

The debate over technical schools’ role in education is far from settled. While studies show benefits for boys, long-term research is lacking, and comparisons between different models of career education remain limited. As districts grapple with funding and logistical hurdles, the challenge remains to scale the promise of technical high schools without compromising quality or accessibility.