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A Community Vision for Boston’s Students and FamiliesChapter 8: Economic Empowerment through Vocational Education

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Chapter Summary

Imagine a school where Boston’s young people are challenged by rigorous academic classes while also learning hands-on skills in culinary arts, construction trades, hospitality management, radio broadcasting, or graphic design. Imagine a curriculum that puts students in direct contact with trade unions, entrepreneurs, health care institutions, and public servants, building relationships with mentors who can offer career guidance and connections to all that Boston has to offer. Imagine a community hub that offers specialized career training programs to Boston residents of all ages, preparing high school students and adult learners alike for the jobs of the future.

For thousands of our young people, Madison Park Technical Vocational High School—the only comprehensive vocational school in the City of Boston—has made that vision a reality, opening doors to a high-paying, fulfilling career. But decades of neglect have prevented Madison Park from providing well-rounded vocational education to all students who want it. Revitalized vocational education must be a central piece of our recovery strategy to close opportunity gaps and empower our residents to shape Boston’s future.

  • Equitable opportunity and investment by conducting an audit of state funding, prioritizing stability in leadership, adopting an admissions policy, enacting a multilingual marketing and advertising campaign, creating opportunities for middle school students to explore vocational education, funding necessary capital upgrades, and accelerating the creation of the new Madison Park Technical Institute for adult learners.

  • Integration of academic and vocational programming based on the 2018 NEASC recommendations; with more resources for students with IEPs and English learners; wraparound supports for students and families; expanded opportunities for after-school, weekend and summer programming; and increased participation in dual enrollment programs.

  • Jobs of the future in green sectors and care work, collaborating with Program Advisory Boards, the Career Champions Network, and new and existing employer partners to prepare Madison Park students to do essential work of making Boston’s economy more fair, resilient, and sustainable.

  • Community integration by launching an early learning center, expanding the automotive repair program, strengthening partnerships with non-profit healthcare institutions, developing a student-run IT help desk and repair shop, reopening a full-service restaurant, creating new internship and apprenticeship programs with diverse businesses, and increasing collaboration with City economic development officials.