This dissertation examines the impact of state educational programs on the economics of education and labor, focusing on the New York State (NYS) STEM Incentive Program and China's tuition-free policy for vocational secondary education (VSE). The first two Chapters analyze the effects of the NYS STEM Incentive Program, an initiative implemented in 2014 to combat the state's shortage of skilled STEM labor. It provides tuition awards to top-performing students pursuing a STEM degree on the condition that they work in the state for five years after graduation. Utilizing extensive administrative data from a large R1 public university in New York State and the American Community Survey data, these studies employ an event study research design and a synthetic control method, respectively. The findings reveal a significant increase in the probability of students selecting STEM majors and the likelihood of these students subsequently choosing STEM occupations within New York State. However, this program has a more substantial effect on men, potentially exacerbating the gender gap in STEM fields. The third study investigates the impact of China's tuition-free policy on VSE, a move intended to encourage educational equity and the appeal of VSE. This policy's effects on academic, labor market, and social outcomes are evaluated using China Family Panel Studies data. The results demonstrate that tuition exemption has increased enrollment in vocational secondary schools and fostered greater labor market participation, particularly among women and people from rural areas. In addition, it has contributed to a rise in personal income, thereby decreasing the rural-urban wage gaps to some extent. Collectively, these studies shed light on the crucial role of state educational incentives in shaping educational and labor market outcomes, offering essential insights for policymakers considering similar initiatives. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]