Workplace and educational changes related to gender in Louisiana in 1996-97 suggest some progress but a continued need to reduce wide gender gaps in some occupational areas. Workplace data show a closing gender gap, but changes are occurring at different rates for different areas. Women's share of the total labor force continues to rise; wage differences by gender continue; women-owned businesses increase; and secretaries and cashiers are still predominantly female. Both secondary and postsecondary systems have increased enrollment. Slightly more females are enrolled in vocational programs, but males are about five out of six students enrolled in programs not traditional for their gender. The largest number of nontraditional enrollees are males in secondary business and home economics programs. Slow, steady progress continues in female participation in industry programs, the area of greatest gender disparity. Agencies with projects continue to use diverse recruitment, retention, and placement strategies for increased participation of nontraditional students. The state has awarded 108 grants to educational agencies for implementation of projects for sex equity and single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women. Of project students with known outcomes, 33.5 percent are still enrolled in their vocational programs and making satisfactory progress, and 26.8 percent have completed their vocational programs and been employed in standard or above-standard positions. (Numerous charts and tables are provided.) (YLB)