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For much of the 20th century, home economics courses were a staple of American education, teaching students basic skills in cooking, sewing, budgeting and overall home management. But in recent decades, these classes appear to have slowly disappeared from the curriculum. As school systems continue to emphasize college preparatory courses and standardized testing, practical life skills classes, as well as fine arts and other enrichment courses, have often fallen by the wayside. As traditional home economics courses dwindle, career and technical education (CTE) and a new focus on skilled trades are rising to meet the needs of our changing job market.
Home economics, sometimes referred to as “family and consumer sciences” in modern times, once played a crucial role in preparing students for life beyond high school. These classes offered training in essential skills, from sewing and cooking to child care. For generations, students—mainly girls—learned how to manage households effectively and economically. Graduating high school in the early 2000s, I recall taking Foods I and II, Sewing and Child and Human Development courses.
Changing Trends
One could argue that with the rise of fast food, delivery meal kits, third-party delivery services (like DoorDash and Grubhub) and ready-to-wear fashion that can be shipped to your doorstep in less than 48 hours, many families now prioritize convenience over learning these practical skills.
School district funding for home economics programs dwindled as schools
redirected budgets to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) and other career-focused tracks, sidelining those practical life skills to reflect skills needed for the changing job market. While home economics programs have become increasingly scarce, there has been a renewed focus on skilled trades and vocational training.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in fields like plumbing, electrical and carpentry are expected to grow steadily over the next decade. Additionally, many skilled trade jobs are experiencing workforce shortages as older generations retire, leaving behind well-paying careers with high demand. The value of essential workers was rightfully highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, including those in skilled trades, as people sought to maintain and improve their homes while spending more time at home. Many school districts have agreements with their assigned CTC, or Career and Technical Center, where students will spend half a day at their high school and spend half a day at their CTC studying programs such as culinary arts, auto body repair or welding and fabrication technology.
A Woman’s World?
As the skilled trades gain popularity, there is also a notable trend of more men and gender-fluid young people entering fields traditionally associated with women, such as textiles, fashion and design. According to the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the number of men enrolled in fashion and textile programs has increased by 20% over the past five years. I find these societal changes exciting, where traditional gender roles in professions are becoming less defined. A quick Pinterest search of “nonbinary fashion” reveals exciting shifts in the field and the culture as traditional gender roles in fashion become less defined. In recent years, I have also noticed a rising focus on sustainable fashion. This opens the door for skilled artisans who can repurpose materials and contribute to a circular economy within the fashion industry.
Practical Skills for a New Generation
While home economics may be a thing of the past, the fundamental need for practical skills is as relevant as ever. With the passage of Senate Bill 843, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania became the 25th state to guarantee a standalone personal finance course for high school students. Research supports the fact that personal finance courses have a positive impact on student debt decisions and credit scores, thus improving long-term financial decision making. Effective with the 2026-2027 school year, all Pennsylvania schools will be required to implement a mandatory personal finance course students must complete during grades nine through 12. Additionally, as the popularity of DIY (do it yourself) culture grows, some schools are introducing half-credit elective courses that teach cooking, nutrition and small household repairs. These classes may not be under the banner of “home economics” but reflect a similar goal of equipping students for real-life challenges.
While home economics may be fading from high school curricula, its legacy lives on in the renewed focus on life skills and CTE. In a society where job markets change with the times, skilled trades have a bright future, providing pathways to rewarding careers. By embracing these paths, students can leave high school equipped with invaluable skills, creating a strong workforce capable of meeting the demands of today and tomorrow.
Carrie Woodard is a National Certified Counselor, National Certified School Counselor and a Pittsburgh mama of two.