A data-collection model is presented for the gathering of timely information on population demographic characteristics, as well as economic, educational, environmental, and social trends. First, the paper discusses the importance of anticipating internal and external changes and establishing priorities for resource allocation in the design of a college's future. Next, the data sources for the Mt. San Antonio College (California) external demographic model are identified: (1) directors of chambers of commerce, and redevelopment and human service agencies; (2) marketing information on potential student populations in the greater college service area; (3) college credit enrollment zip code analysis by sex, ethnicity, and age; (4) population and assessed valuation of community data from the California Department of Finance; and (5) a survey of city and county human services and recreation programs. The next section looks at the kinds of information other educational providers can offer, including data collected by each K-12 school district on the number of students at each grade level, the number of graduates, and ethnicity; annual mobility statistics; the number of postsecondary students and programs; and special projects data. Next, data sources for the college district and adjacent subregions are identified. The final section considers the trend files in the model, which are organized by local cities and national/state/local economic, educational, environmental, and social trends. Each section concludes with examples of the kinds of data discussed. (EJV)