Lessons for Consumer Education Policy: The Case of the Office of Consumers' Education

The Office of Consumers' Education existed for almost seven years, disbursing in excess of $18 million for grants and contracts in support of consumer education activities. Stimulated by this funding consumer education evolved and expanded, and many excellent products were produced. At the same time, however, the program experienced substantial difficulties. Poor program design, initial failure to articulate goals and objectives, and inadequate administrative support all served to reduce the potential effect of this program. The OCE experience can provide guidance for future consumer education programs, at any governmental level. There is no need to repeat costly lessons about the form and substance of such programs where the case of OCE provides useful instruction. 1