When the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce released its list of the 2026 “Future 15” – fifteen professionals under 40 who are expected to shape the Fox Valley’s future – only one honoree was male. That lone man represents just seven percent of the cohort, a stark contrast to the many women recognized, and it has sparked a conversation about why young men in the area appear to be falling behind.
Education gaps and gender‑imbalanced programs
Data cited in the commentary shows a long‑term shift in college enrollment: in the 1970s, men made up about 58% of students, but today they account for only 43%. While 70% of female high‑school graduates attend college, the rate for male graduates has slipped to 55%. Women also graduate at a higher rate – roughly ten percent more likely to complete a degree – leaving the national degree‑holding gap at 47% for women versus 37% for men.
Local schools and community groups have responded with a wave of programs aimed at girls – “Smart Girls Rock,” “Build Like a Girl,” and “Girls in STEAM Camp,” among others – while comparable initiatives for boys receive far less attention. Critics argue that this imbalance may be contributing to the lower college‑attendance numbers for young men.
Special‑education placement and health diagnoses
Two‑thirds of students placed in Individual Education Programs (IEPs) are male, and the same proportion of ADHD diagnoses are boys. Approximately 80% of autism diagnoses also involve males. While some attribute these disparities to genetic factors, the commentary notes that the focus of many IEPs is on bringing students up to basic competency rather than encouraging advanced or college‑prep coursework.
Health‑related behaviors further differentiate the genders. Recent surveys indicate that nearly 30% of men ages 18‑34 use marijuana, compared with 22% of women, and 10% of men are daily users. Men also dominate online gambling (98% of problem gamblers) and cryptocurrency investment (38% of men under 30 versus 11% of women). Additionally, 93% of teenage boys report viewing online pornography, with the median first exposure at age 12.
Economic and social consequences
These trends have tangible outcomes. Marriage rates for 35‑year‑old men have dropped from 90% in 1980 to 60% today, and only 20% of 25‑year‑old men are married now, down from 60% in 1980. Demographers estimate that one‑third of males under 20 may never marry. Deaths of despair – suicides and drug overdoses – have more than doubled for men under 35 since 2000, and overdose deaths among young men have risen by about 18% annually since 2013.
Calls for community action
Local leaders, parents and faith‑based groups are being urged to re‑examine how boys are raised and educated. The commentary suggests that without intentional changes – such as mentorship programs, male‑focused academic incentives and community outreach that balances existing girls‑only initiatives – future “Future 15” lists will remain overwhelmingly female.
While some argue that men still enjoy systemic advantages in business and society, the data presented paints a picture of a demographic facing unique challenges that require a coordinated response from educators, employers, churches and civic organizations across the Fox Valley.
Original reporting: WHBY (Appleton) — read the source article.
