A comprehensive, four-phase study was undertaken of cooperative education for the Mid-Plains Nebraska Technical Community College area. Specific procedures and methodology utilized, and presentation and interpretation of data, are included in the chapters describing each phase of the study. Phase one included (1) a comprehensive review of the national literature concerning technical community colleges operating cooperative education programs, seeking to identify key issues, and (2) on-site visits to two-year Nebraska institutions and a survey of best practices in selected two-year colleges in other States. Phase two involved assessment of the vocational interests of a sample of 929 students (grades 9-12) in the Mid-Plains area. Phase three included assessment of occupational opportunities by sampling employers in the area (827 responding) and investigation of alternative possibilities for cooperative education. The final phase was development of a plan for the provision of a cooperative education program for the Mid-Plains Technical Community College area, based on the data gathered in the first three phases. Included are appendixes related to education policies, program offerings, and the instruments used and tabulated responses. (Author/NH)