This index of effort is proposed as a means by which those in charge of student recruitment activities at community colleges can be sure that their efforts are being directed toward all of the appropriate population. The index is an analytical model based on the concept of socio-economic profiles, using small area 1970 census data, and is the primary means for evaluating recruitment efforts. The six steps for implementing the model are: (1) determine high school seniors' educational aspirations and home addresses; (2) assign appropriate census tract or census block numbers to the high school students' records; (3) add 1970 census data to the student file; (4) analyze data to determine items acting as predictors of educational aspiration; (5) assign educational aspiration scores to all census tracts or blocks in the study area; and (6) validate the model using random testing procedures. The methodology associated with this model and the use of computer mapping as a means of presenting the results to a decision maker are discussed. (AL)