Current Federal Programs for Lifelong Learning: A $14 Billion Effort

Abstract

A record 17 million persons were registered in adult education activities between 1974 and 1975, according to data recently released by the National Center for Educational Statistics. Studying in twoand four-year colleges or in programs sponsored by employers and public agencies, adult enrollments increased by 30 percent over the period 1969-75 while the number of full-time students over 17 in high school or college increased only 4 percent. Other sources estimate even larger enrollments. The heightened interest of adults in education has been reflected in Washington in the past year. Congress, under the urging of thenSenator Walter Mondale, developed and passed a lifelong learning bill designed to encourage federal planning, assessment, and coordination of lifelong learning activities nationwide.' Senator Edward Brooke has announced plans to introduce a lifelong learning financing bill. Higher education associations, labor groups, senior citizen organizations, federal personnel, and Congressional staff now meet regularly in Washington to discuss lifelong learning issues of mutual interest.