Project ENABEL (Extern Network of Adult Basic Education Leaders) was launched as a pilot project to: (1) analyze the essential character of the Adult Basic Education (ABE) problem, (2) identify individuals and institutions whose functions are critically related to the ABE problem, (3) identify personal qualities and professional competencies required of individuals, (4) resolve the question of the appropriate role of the university, and (5) conceptualize a systematic scheme for appropriately relating the university to ABE programs. Each state extern was invited during a summer workshop to develop a plan for improving his own performance and/or the operation of his own local program in ABE. Project staff members visited the home school of each extern for consultation at least once during the project. Interns, other staff members, and selected externs solicited and honored requests for consultation and in-service training from schools not otherwise involved in the network. Conclusions indicate that most participants in the program benefited positively with respect to understanding ABE students, their problems and needs, and the cultural differences between adult education and childhood education. (CK)