Demographic, social, and economic factors are shaping the future environment and clientele of California's adult education system. Continued population growth means adult education will have to serve larger populations. Direct implications of increasing ethnic and racial pluralism are demands for more flexible delivery systems that accommodate cultural diversity and demands by English-speaking persons to study a second language. Implications of an aging population are competition for resources, special systems for educational delivery, and a shortage of adult education teachers. The rise in the numbers of working and single parents has important implications for adult education: accessibility and need for classes on parenting and domestic skills. Changes in the labor market and world of work will create needs to increase the skills of adult workers, offer recurring job training, and provide resources to help workers cope with career change and job displacement. Trends concerning educational attainment and skill deficiencies point to roles for adult education in providing literacy, basic education, and upgrading. Two new public policy initiatives, the Immigration Reform and Control Act and Greater Avenues for Independence welfare reform program, will increase demand for programs in adult basic education and English as a Second Language. Two special groups are likely to place increasing demands on adult education: prison inmates and parolees and disabled adults. (YLB)