In what year was the Smith-Hughes Act passed establishing Agricultural Education classes?

The Smith-Hughes Act was passed in 1917 and marked a significant development in agricultural education in the United States. This legislation aimed to promote vocational education in agriculture, mechanics, and home economics, providing federal funding to schools for the establishment of these programs. The importance of this act lies in its recognition of agriculture as a vital field of study and a cornerstone of the American economy, thus motivating the establishment of structured educational paths for students to pursue careers in agriculture and related industries.

This catalyzed the growth of agricultural education initiatives across the country, empowering students with practical knowledge and skills to succeed in farming and agricultural practices. The Smith-Hughes Act laid the groundwork for numerous future educational programs and organizations, including the development of Future Farmers of America (FFA), further solidifying its impact on agricultural education.