Land-Grant Act

The Land-Grant Act, passed in 1862 in the United States, provided federal land to states to establish colleges focused on agriculture, engineering, and practical sciences. The goal was to promote education in areas vital to economic development and improve farmers' and workers' skills. States could sell or use the land to fund these institutions, leading to the creation of many of today's public universities, such as Michigan State and Ohio State. This act significantly expanded higher education access and emphasized practical, workforce-oriented learning.