This document reports the results and recommendations stemming from a series of studies conducted to assess the educational needs and resources within the service area of a new institution in western Illinois, John Wood Community College. A random telephone survey of 695 community adults was made to determine educational interests, class scheduling and location preferences, and perceived obstacles to educational participation. A questionnaire survey of 20% of area high school juniors and seniors was conducted to determine career plans, types of postsecondary schools preferred, planned fields of study, financial assistance needed, or reasons for discontinuing education after high school. Manpower and training needs of the area were assessed through interviews with major area employers. Information on area educational resources was compiled through contacts with 106 educational institutions and community agencies providing some kind of educational service. For each study, methodology, results, implications, and recommendations are reported. A summary of the recommendations is included, and the survey instruments are appended. (JDS)