Blue-Collar

Girls-only shop classes are gaining traction, and the timing is right: A shortage of skilled workers is driving up wages in male-dominated trades such as auto repair, construction, and welding. But educators say these classes offer more than job prospects. They are also a source of empowerment.

• By Brenda Iasevoli

A conversation with actor John Ross Bowie about comedy, working-class identity, and how entertainers should use social media.

• By David M. Perry

For the month of April we're profiling the individuals who made our inaugural list of the 30 top thinkers under 30, the young men and women we predict will have a serious impact on the social, political, and economic issues we cover every day here at Pacific Standard.

• By Avital Andrews