What was the purpose of the Smith-Hughes Act of 1917?

The Smith-Hughes Act of 1917 aimed primarily to establish vocational education programs in agriculture, home economics, and industrial trades at the high school level. This federal legislation recognized the importance of preparing young people for careers in agriculture and manufacturing through formal education. By facilitating high school agricultural education, the act laid the groundwork for programs like FFA, which plays a critical role in developing the agricultural leadership and skills needed in the industry.

While funding for competitions, support for 4-H programs, and facilitating agricultural research are all important aspects of agricultural education and development, they were not the primary purpose of the Smith-Hughes Act. The focus of the act was specifically on vocational educational opportunities to improve the skills and knowledge of students, which directly contributed to the overall growth of agricultural competencies in the United States.