Pioneer Institute Throws Support Behind Voc Schools

Jim Stergios,  Executive Director of Pioneer Institute, a Boston-based think tank.

Pioneer
Institute Executive Director Jim
Stergios submitted testimony highlighting
the success of Massachusetts’ vocational-technical high schools and
urging policymakers to focus on expanding
capacity rather
than altering existing admissions policies.

For
nearly two decades, Pioneer has conducted in-depth research on
voc-tech education. These schools consistently match or exceed the
academic performance of traditional high schools, while serving a
greater percentage of low-income and special needs students. Their
unique model, which balances academic instruction with hands-on
technical training, prepares students for high-demand careers—often
without the burden of college debt.

The
testimony emphasized that recent state policy changes have already
improved equity in admissions, and voc-tech schools have responded by
adjusting their practices, enhancing outreach, and implementing
anti-bias training. Still, the core challenge remains: demand
far outpaces supply.
With as many as 11,000
students on waiting lists,
it’s clear that more seats are urgently needed.

Pioneer’s
message is simple:
Voc-tech
schools are a proven model of excellence and equity. The state should
build on this success by expanding access—not disrupting what
works.