In this article from RealClear Investigations, Vince Bielski describes how vocational education—traditionally a means of funneling students from underserved communities into blue collar jobs—has evolved into career and technical education (CTE) programs that offer high school students of all academic abilities pathways to in-demand careers in fields such as healthcare, computer science, engineering, skilled trades, and the arts.  

Bielski writes that CTE is a bright spot in public education, as it has established a notable track record, boosting student engagement, graduation rates, employment outcomes, and income, according to several studies. The article highlights the CTE Research Network's systematic review of the past 20 years, a meta-analysis of CTE involving 28 studies across multiple states and types of programs, and includes expert insights from our Network director and PI, Katherine Hughes of the American Institutes for Research, and co-PI, Shaun Dougherty of Boston College.