Unit I of a 4-unit (9-12 week) career development and life planning program for rural high school students focuses on life in rural localities. Designed to last approximately 13 days, the unit uses student experience and supplementary data as a basis for discussion of the local area, its people and their roles, the advantages and disadvantages of being a local woman, sex stereotypes at home and on the job, and household responsibilities. In addition to 10 detailed, color-coded lesson plans (complete with instructions, learning objectives, materials lists, and student activity sheets), the unit contains a Learning Activity Package on time management, a teacher's guide, an appendix with additional teaching tips and learning activities, an adaptation manual with information about tailoring the program to local needs, and an introduction to the program in general. The basic field-tested curriculum is designed for the Midwest, but adaptations for four other rural regions (Northwest, Southwest, Northeast and Appalachian South) are available. The program has three goals: to inform the students, to help them deal with life's events and difficulties, and to provide them with a structured experience in applying their information and skills to realistic situations. Although the emphasis is on women, the curriculum is important for men as well. (SB)