Designed as a resource and aid for faculty and administrators at Modesto Junior College (MJC), this report provides an assessment of the external environment of the college and of its mission and goals. Section I introduces the futurist perspective and assumptions serving as the basis for the report. Section II provides a summary of an extensive review of the literature, interviews with forecasters and planners, and observations by leaders in higher education on the following topics: lifestyle and social change, demography, economic trends, technological trends, employment opportunities and education, postsecondary trends, and public policy. Following a discussion of the statewide view of community college mission and goals, section III presents the results of surveys of community leaders and MJC faculty conducted to determine their views of the functions and performance of the college, as well as factors to consider in developing or reviewing program priorities and community involvement in college activities. Section IV summarizes the inferences drawn from the environmental assessment and section V discusses implications of the study for the college, focusing on actions the college will take to remain a viable part of its geographical and educational community, actions necessitated by the changing community and student body, emphases of instructional programs, effects of technological and workforce changes, and college responses to public policy issues. Questionnaires and an extensive bibliography are included. (AYC)