A century ago, mail-order schools helped people get skilled jobs without high school

New research shows that correspondence schools in early 20th century America significantly increased the likelihood of students getting skilled jobs. These mail-order programs helped millions of younger students find employment they otherwise would not have.

Vocational training and alternative education pathways often struggle for legitimacy. This paper shows that a century ago, a massive, for-profit mail-order system successfully trained millions for skilled work. It suggests that formal credentials are not the only path to economic mobility, especially for those who do not fit traditional schooling.