Closing Equity Gaps in CTE Programs for Black Students

"A new research brief, released last week by the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, delved into such inequities and explored possible solutions based on qualitative interviews with Black program staff, current and former CTE students, members of workforce development organizations, training providers, researchers, and other CTE experts. The authors argue those voices are especially critical when federal legislation funding the programs-the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, or Perkins V-is poised for reauthorization in fiscal year 2026."

"The report pointed out that in the 2022-23 academic year, Black students made up about 13 percent of high school students and about 15 percent of college students in CTE programs. But a 2020 analysis of CTE data in 40 states by Hechinger Report and the Associated Press found that Black students were less likely than their white peers to enroll in courses focused on science, technology, engineering, math and information technology, and more likely to take classes in fields such as hospitality and human services."

"A 2021 report by the Urban Institute also found that compared to their white peers, Black students in CTE courses had significantly lower grade point averages, lower rates of earning credentials or degrees at their first colleges, and a lower likelihood of finding a job in a related field. On average, Black participants in these programs earned more than $8,200 less than white students six years after starting CTE programs,"

Black students comprised about 13 percent of high school and about 15 percent of college students in CTE programs in 2022–23. Field distribution is unequal: Black students are less likely to enroll in STEM and IT CTE courses and more likely to take hospitality and human-services classes. Black CTE students show lower GPAs, lower rates of earning credentials or degrees at their first colleges, and lower likelihoods of obtaining related-field jobs. Six years after starting CTE programs, Black participants earned on average more than $8,200 less than white students, with larger gaps for online enrollees. Qualitative interviews with Black program staff, students, workforce organizations, and CTE experts informed proposed solutions ahead of Perkins V reauthorization in fiscal 2026.

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