The U.S. Department of Education (ed) has asked the National Academy of Sciences to examine ways of reducing unemployment in economically depressed regions of the country by bolstering vocational- training programs.
Robert M. Worthington, ed assistant secretary for vocational and adult education, recently met with the Academy’s National Research Council to initiate a study of the nation’s unemployment situation, paying special attention to minority groups in job-scarce areas.
‘Urban Enterprise Zones’
According to Mr. Worthington, the council’s Committee on Voca-tional Education and Economic Development in Depressed Areas will undertake an 18-month study of ways to encourage the private redevelopment of “urban enterprise zones.”
The study will also include an analysis of youth unemployment in depressed rural and urban areas. The committee, he said, will make recommendations regarding the role of vocational education in enhancing job opportunities for young people. Colin C. Blaydon, vice provost for academic policy and planning at Duke University, will chair the committee, which is expected to issue its final report in the summer of 1983.--T.M.
