University of Virginia Library

Federal Government Promotes Youth;
Forms 'University Year For ACTION'

By DEBBY DENNO

Herbert G. Klein, Director of
Communications for the Executive
Branch of the Federal Government, has
informed college newspapers of a number
of programs "related to young people."

They were developed by President
Nixon in order to encourage students
interests and participation in various activities,
such as draft reform, the 18-year-old vote, and
drug reform for military personnel.

"University Year for ACTION" is the
government's latest response to Mr. Nixon's
program. According to the Director for
ACTION, Joseph H. Blatchford, universities
"can loosen their embrace on their students,
tear down the walls that keep the students in
and the greater world out, and break the
isolation which has estranged so many
campuses from the broader community in
recent years," by joining the program.

Assistance Programs

This fall approximately 500 students from
11 universities will participate in the various
ACTION programs. After enrolling in school, a
number of students will begin work in poverty
areas in their community.

This work will enable, for example, medical
students from the University of Nebraska to
deliver health services to migrant laborers, and
education students from the University of
Colorado to assist Indians in South Dakota in
developing their own system of education.

Students will not be delaying their careers,
but instead "enriching them with practical
experience," according to Mr. Blatchford. Full
academic credit will be given up to 30 hours for
a full year's voluntary service.

In addition, volunteers will receive an
allowance depending upon community living
costs. The average monthly allowance will be
$185. On completion of 12 months service in
the program, ACTION will set aside $50 a
month "in escrow" for those students with
financial hardships.

Any students who is enrolled in a
participating university is eligible for the
program. The university itself will investigate
those areas where assistance is needed, while
also depending upon poverty organizations and
requests made by low income people for work
assignments.