Presented in 1970 at the National Training Institute for Vocational and Related Personnel, this paper discusses the current and severe problems of rural America. It is noted that, although declining, the American rural population is one of the world's largest rural populations. The document states that the obvious characteristics of rural America are its poverty and low level of public services. A comparison is made between rural America's attempt to provide vocational and technical education through adherence to a system of comprehensive schools and the attempt by cities to satisfy vocational education needs by way of specialization. The organizational and administrative problems of vocational education in rural areas are discussed, and conclusions are made that suggest the need for state and locally supported Federal action to achieve equality of educational opportunity. (AN)