Despite the opposition, plans are moving aheadfor some kind of domestic service program. Galstonsaid that in the next six weeks, Clinton himselfwill reach a decision on many issues of theprogram. "This is an issue in which he has taken adirect personal interest," Galston said.
Perhaps the key question is the initial size ofthe program. Harvard President Neil L. Rudenstinesaid he thinks a pilot program would be a wisebeginning.
Shattuck said he's seen one draft proposal fora program with 100,000 participants. Galston won'tcomment, other than to say "disregard all thenumbers you hear."
If a small program is approved initially, "itwould build up," Harmon said.
Another question is benefits. How much moneytoward college would a participant get, and howwould it be granted? Rudenstine and Shattuck bothtalk of rewarding participants with federalstudent loan forgiveness vouchers.
These would be of use only to those withfederally guaranteed student loans.
The face value of the vouchers is also to bedecided. Shattuck mentioned a $5,000 per-yearserved loan forgiveness, while Rudenstine said an$8,000 or $10,000 forgiveness would be adequateincentive to students who might otherwise takebetter paying jobs.
Of particular concern to students iseligibility for the program. Participants may bechosen based on means-testing, a lottery, orability to contribute to "critical nationalneeds," Galston said.
A final point of discussion is theadministration of such a program. Clinton mustdecide which federal agency should run theprogram. He also must also decide how much of theprogram should be locally controlled (likeBoston's City Year program) and how much should befederally administered (like the Peace Corps andVista).
Whatever shape Clinton's national serviceprogram finally takes, and however much it finallydiffers from the promises of the party platform,advocates said the program still sends animportant message.
"National service is a very important idea inan effort to redefine citizenship," Galston said.
"Anything, even a smaller program to beginwith, would be amazing," Harmon said