A more general interest in education, on the part of the Federal Government, found expression as early as 1867 when a National De partment of Education was established to collect data concerning educational methods and to disseminate information on school meth ods, organization, and management and otherwise to promote the cause of education throughout the country. The Office of Education took over the duties of this agency in 1869 ; it remained in the De partment of Interior until it became part of the Federal Security Agency in 1939. Between 1870 and 1887, a number of bills were intro duced in Congress which would have provided for further Federal co-operation in public education, but none was passed. The argument advanced against all these bills was that they would constitute inter ference with States' rights. Additional Federal funds were, however, made available for public education in 1908 and again in 1920 when certain percentages of income from national forest reserves and mineral lands were allowed for this purpose. A second field, in ad dition to agricultural training, to which the U.S. Federal Government has made a significant contribution, is vocational education. A Federal Board of Vocational Education was established in 1917, and Federal money to match State funds on a dollar for dollar basis was provided to encourage vocational education not only in agriculture but also in trade and industry. Following the World War, Federal provisions for the vocational rehabilitation of wounded soldiers were adopted in 1918. Two years later the Federal Vocational Rehabilitation Act was passed authorizing Federal matching of State funds to rehabilitate civilians handicapped vocationally through disease, accident, or con genital causes. The Social Security Act provided additional funds for this service and placed it on a permanent basis. Since 1933 when it took over the functions of the Federal Board of Vocational Education, the Office of Education has co-operated with the States in this field.
In addition, this Office acts as a clearing house for information re lating to educational progress. It brings together and analyzes the results of experience in cities and States and makes research studies on special problems. This material, covering all phases of American education, is made available to educators throughout the U.S. The
office has also been concerned in adult education and in other broad aspects of public education. Agencies established in the 1930's to meet the needs of young people left stranded by the depression have given the Federal Government additional responsibility along edu cational lines. It is estimated that in 1933 some five million young men and women between the ages of 18 and 25 were without oppor tunity for constructive activity. Many were ready to go to work, but could get no jobs; others were prepared for college or other special training, but could find no means of financing further education. Neither the States nor their communities could cope with this emer gency and the necessity for action by the Federal Government was not questioned.
The Civilian Conservation Corps was established in 1933 as one means of meeting this situation. Through this service, young men deprived of normal opportunities for education or employment are offered constructive activity and training. Their work in restoring and preserving national resources of tillable lands and timber reserves has become a significant national asset. In return they receive the necessities for decent existence, a small allowance for any family members who might ordinarily be dependent on them, and education suited to their individual capacities. Originating as an emergency measure, the Civilian Conservation Corps was scheduled for termina tion in 1940, but an amendment passed in provided for its con tinuation to June 30, 5943. Formerly an independent activity, it is part of the Federal Security Agency.
A second service for young people is also a part of this over all agency. This is the National Youth Administration, established in 1935 within the Works Progress Administration. Originally estab lished to provide work experience for boys and girls from 16 to 25 who are no longer attending school full time and are not regularly employed, it was later given direction of student-aid projects. These provide financial assistance to needy young people in exchange for part-time work on useful projects and thus enable them to continue their schooling. See also POOR LAW ; RELIEF. (P. V. M.)