Statement by Commissioner Of Education Earl McGrath

STATEMENT* With the opening of the academic year in the colleges and universities of the Nation, the contribution which these institutions have to make to American society is perhaps greater than over before in the history of our country. It is gratifying to note therefore that although a decrease has occurred in enrollments in institutions of higher education, the drop has been far less than some expected a few months ago. The 2,225,000 college students who will be enrolled during this school year will be serving their country well by devoting their maximum efforts to their studies, for it is of the utmost importance that through the years immediately ahead there be a steady flow of highly educated young men and women into all branches of our society. I want to emphasize that even though we are now in a national emergency both the long-run success of our military activities and the continued efficient operation of our supporting economic and social institutions demand the annual production of thousands of skilled workers. I hope therefore that young men of military age will continue their college or university education until called for military service. Already shortages in some highly skilled occupations are becoming evident. A positive effort of recruitment will be necessary if an adequate supply of graduates is to be realized. For example, we know that the number of students entering the field of engineering has dropped markedly in the last two years. It is already clear that in the years immediately ahead the supply of engineering graduates will be far below the demand even for civilian needs, not to mention those of the military. Last year the output 'By Earl James McGrath, U.S. Commissioner of Education, Federal Security Agency, Washington, D. C. to Mr. Benjamin Fine of the New York Times, Sept. 21, 1951.