The Waterbury Democrat., 1935-06-10
BY JOHN w. STUDEBAKER U, S. Commissioner of Education

ID OOIHIN We oA V U. S. Commissioner of Education
 Washington, June 10--UP)- believe that a youth program should be administered and pro- noted in each local community ui4der the general leadership or the local education authority with the advice and assistance or Community Council for Youth.
 Local authorities and leaders Of community life are close to the problem, have quick access to the actual facts, and natural incen- tives for a sympathetic and vigor" ous handling of the situation.
 The unemployed, thwarted youth in the community present a com mon problem. All of the forces of the community can be organi- zed to deal with it democratically. Thatis why I welcome the com- munity approach.
 Urges Council Be Formed.
 A Youth Council should be formed in each city and rural community. The council should include people who are particu- larly interested In the youth prob lem. representatives of organized labor. of business and industry, the various agencies private and pub lice dealing in one way or another with youth, relief and unemploy- ment agencies, and young people themselves, including those from colleges and youth organizations.
 Assuming that a federal alloca- tion of funds equal to SIP a month for each unemployed young person between 16 and 25, up to 10 per cent of youth in that age group, should be made, wht could a com munity do?
 Personal Attention Stressed.
 In the first place, Guidance centers should be set up where youth might apply for participa- ton in the program. In these cen- ters, under the direction of school authorities, each youg person among the 10 per cent would be assisted in working out a personal program for the constructive use of at least 42 hours week of his or her time. Competent unemploy- ed person and others capable of their experience and abilities in these Guidance centers.
 A combination of use work, education, and recreation would conrtitute the program. The pro- gram would be carried forward in both public and private institutions. In most cases I expect that these combination-programs would en- gago each young person in Is hours of patchwork, 15 hours of education, and 12 hours of recrea- ton each week.
 Work Canvass Planned.
 Tn the second place, the com munity should be thoroughly can vassed to discover all of the use- ful work available for youth. The community will discover that In the preccess of protecting it's youth against the forces of the de- pression. 1t can get q great many socially useful projects done, im- prove public service, and give much needed help to private but non-profit service institutions.
 Tn the third place, the education al and recreational life of these young people will require new forms and new adjustments in education. utilizing the services of many unemployed persons.
 This is much more than a youth program in its results, simply be- cause youth is so definitely a. ma jor part of the community. Large numbers of homes which now in- |ciude unemployed youth will be in- fluenced.
 If these young workers are en- gagged part-time in public projects, and community service. they can become carries of civic responsible ity instead of distributors of dis enlargement and discontent.
 (Tomorrow: Discussion of Youth J1&f.h1apasaA tAf