What educational courses were established by the Smith-Hughes Act?

The Smith-Hughes Act, enacted in 1917, was a significant piece of legislation that aimed to promote vocational education in the United States. The act specifically focused on providing federal funding for the establishment and improvement of vocational education programs in agriculture, trade, and industry.

The emphasis on agricultural courses is pivotal because it recognized the importance of agriculture in the economy and society, thus providing support for the education of individuals in farming and related fields. As a result, the act contributed to the development of agricultural education as a formalized component of vocational training, allowing students to gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in agricultural careers.

While the act also supported vocational education broadly, including industrial and home economics courses, the primary focus was on agricultural education. This aligns with the transformation of agricultural practices during that era, highlighting the need for a well-trained workforce to support the agricultural sector.