Abstract: Consumer education is a relatively new and creative field, still largely fragmented, and has not realized its potential for shaping and influencing the environment. To establish its credibility as a serious field of study, it is necessary to investigate the underlying purposes and objectives of consumer education and identify the modifications necessary to meet current and future demands. These parameters are explored by reviewing traditional and non-traditional educational approaches, defining current programs and the assumptions on which they are based, discussing the changing socioeconomic and political climates, setting new goals and finding new techniques to accomplish them. Information is drawn from Consumer Education Development Program staff, consumer leaders and educators, and consumer education conferences.

Abstract: A report on the major factors which contribute to the effectiveness of state and local consumer education programs focuses on consumer education as a study discipline, the program content of consumer education, and support techniques to ensure program impact. The recommendations derived from the identification of significant aspects of program effectiveness include defining and adopting core concepts, assessing needs, and developing structural independence for consumer education while integrating subject matter with other academic fields. The content of consumer education should be oriented to activism, awareness of social influences, real applications, and future concerns. The support network is dependent on continuing leadership, financial support, better training programs, development of new materials and professional commitment.