Smith–Lever Act of 1914 facts for kids
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| Other short titles | Agriculture Extension Act |
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| Long title | An Act to provide for cooperative agricultural extension work between the agricultural colleges in the several States receiving the benefits of an act of congress approved July second, eighteen hundred and sixty-two, and of acts supplementary thereto, and the United States Department of Agriculture. |
| Enacted by | the 63rd United States Congress |
| Effective | May 8, 1914 |
| Citations | |
| Public law | Pub.L. 63-95 |
| Statutes at Large | 38 Stat. 372, Chapter 79 |
| Codification | |
| Titles amended | 7 U.S.C.: Agriculture |
| U.S.C. sections created | 7 U.S.C. ch. 13 § 341 |
| Legislative history | |
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The Smith–Lever Act of 1914 is a United States federal law that created a special system to help people learn. This system is called the cooperative extension service. It connects universities with communities.
The main goal was to share new ideas and information. This included topics like agriculture, how to manage a home (home economics), and even how local government works. It also helped with programs like 4-H, which teaches young people skills.
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What is the Smith-Lever Act?
The Smith-Lever Act was passed in 1914. It was a big step for education in the United States. President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law.
This law made it possible for experts from universities to teach people directly. They would visit farms and homes. This helped farmers learn new ways to grow crops and raise animals. Families also learned better ways to manage their households.
Helping Farmers and Families Learn
Before this law, many farmers used old methods. They didn't always know about the latest scientific discoveries. The Act changed this by bringing knowledge to them.
- Experts showed farmers new planting techniques.
- They taught about better ways to care for livestock.
- Families learned about nutrition and food preservation.
- The Act helped create programs like 4-H for young people.
This direct teaching helped improve farming across the country. It also made daily life better for many families.
How the Program is Funded
The money for these cooperative extension programs comes from different places. The United States government provides a large part of the funds. States also add their own money.
The federal money is shared among the states using a special plan:
- A small part (20%) is given equally to all states.
- A larger part (40%) is given based on how many people live in rural areas in each state.
- Another large part (40%) is given based on how many farmers live in each state.
This way, states with more rural areas or farms get more support. Each state usually has to add its own money to match the federal funds it receives.
Money for Special Colleges
The Smith-Lever Act also makes sure that certain colleges get funding. A special amount of money (at least 6%) goes to "1890 Land-grant colleges." These are historically black colleges and universities.
These colleges also share the money using a similar plan. This helps them run their own extension programs. It ensures that all communities can benefit from this important educational work.
A Look Back: Its Impact
The Smith-Lever Act has had a lasting impact on American life. It helped modernize farming and improve living standards. It also made education more accessible to people outside of traditional classrooms.
In 1964, a special US stamp was made. It honored homemakers and marked the 50th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act. This shows how important the law was seen to be.
