Researcher to Discuss Educational Challenges Facing Boys, Men

Nativity Prep to host talk by Richard Reeves on struggles of boys and young men

Feb. 4, 2026 at 3:31am

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Nativity Preparatory School in New Bedford, Massachusetts will host researcher and author Richard V. Reeves for a presentation on the educational challenges facing boys and men. The event, titled 'The Silent Crisis: Addressing the Educational Struggles of Boys and Men,' is scheduled for March 3 at the New Bedford Whaling Museum.

Why it matters

Reeves' research on the educational and social struggles of boys and young men has sparked important conversations about how to better support this demographic. As an all-boys school, Nativity Prep is uniquely positioned to engage the local community on this critical issue.

The details

Reeves is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and president of the American Institute for Boys and Men. He previously directed the Center for Children and Families and the Future of the Middle Class Initiative at Brookings. Nativity Prep began planning the event after using one of Reeves' books, 'Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It,' as part of a strategic planning process in 2023.

  • The event is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on March 3, 2026.
  • Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the presentation will be followed by a Q&A session and book signing.

The players

Richard V. Reeves

A nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, and chair of the UK Institute for Boys and Men.

Nativity Preparatory School

A middle school in New Bedford, Massachusetts that has been educating boys from under-resourced communities since 2000.

Christian Garris

The Head of School at Nativity Preparatory School.

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What they’re saying

“This event is an opportunity to engage the broader New Bedford community in a timely and critically important conversation. Richard Reeves' research challenges us to think differently — and act intentionally — on behalf of all boys and young men.”

— Christian Garris, Head of School, Nativity Preparatory School (Community announcement)

What’s next

The event is free, but registration is required. To register, visit https://www.nativitynb.org.

The takeaway

Nativity Prep's decision to host this event on the educational challenges facing boys and young men reflects the school's commitment to supporting its all-male student body and engaging the broader community on this critical issue. Reeves' research and insights are expected to provide valuable perspectives on how to better address the unique needs of this demographic.