More than 1.5 million men and women received special training during the period from October 9, 1940 to June 30, 1945 in short, intensive college-level courses designed to prepare for technical and scientific work in war industries. These courses were conducted by colleges and universities under the sponsorship of the U. S. Office of Education. The Federal Government expended nearly 60 million dollars to cover the actual costs incurred for the Engineering, Science, and Management War Training (ESMWT) program. It is the purpose of this history to present a brief factual outline of the origin, development, principal operating characteristics, and general results of this college-level war training program that was administered primarily by the participating institutions themselves, rather than by the Office of Education. The history consists of two main parts. Part I is a narrative account of the program, why and how it was developed, its general operating policies and procedures, its contribution to the war effort, and the permanent educational values resulting from its operations. Part II is a technical section setting forth in greater detail the authorizations of Congress, the organization established to operate the program, and the general methods of administration employed, and outlining the principal appraisals made of the program during its life. It is believed that the reading of Part I will result in a reasonably accurate conception of the chief characteristics of the program, its general methods of operation, and the results obtained. Part II is intended for the reader who wishes more detailed information concerning certain features of the program. It includes a bibliography of articles concerning the ESMWT program which have appeared in publications other than those published by participating institutions. (Contains 10 tables and 3 figures.) [Best copy available has been provided.]