Newly‐designed home economics programs funded under Part F, Consumer and Homemaking Education, of Title I of the 1968 Amendments to the Vocational Education Act, were established in New York State to serve limited‐income adults. The present study was a formative evaluation of ten of these fledgling programs. Evaluation techniques included interview; systematic observation; ratings of subjects and paraprofessionals; and recording of critical incidents by local staff and researchers. Four objectives guided the study: (1) to measure progress of subjects toward objectives of under standing and application of consumer education and homemaking concepts; (2) to assess the ability of professional staff to recognize interests and needs of learners and to present a creative, innova tive program; (3) to measure progress of paraprofessional staff toward objectives of understanding and application of consumer education, homemaking concepts and of characteristics of employabil ity; (4) to provide answers to questions regarding attendance, participation, teaching methods, and program operation. Evidence was compiled that significant learning took place, even though the attrition rate was high. Evidence showed that local programs were able both to use and supplement services of other agencies. Findings indicated that an imaginative, flexible home economics program, cognizant of target population assets, interests, and sensitivities, can both attract and serve that population.