As the community colleges in New York state grew in the post World War II period, they continued to maintain close links with local firms and a commitment to provide occupational education. In the 1970s, a traditional balance between career and transfer programs shifted towards programs that led directly to employment, and currently more than 60% of the state's two-year college students are enrolled in career programs. In the 1980s, a key challenge for community colleges will be to respond to the increasing demand for skilled employees in high technology areas. The State University of New York (SUNY) has created three methods to finance these often expensive programs: (1) a funding formula providing state aid for colleges that includes bonus dollars for students in business and technology programs; (2) state funding for non-credit courses that are vocationally oriented; and (3) state aid for contract courses with business, industry, and labor groups. Other efforts to establish links between SUNY and local firms include joint programs supported through public and private funds to benefit small firms and individuals seeking high technology employment. The rejuvenation of technical training at community colleges can be seen in the growth of the number and variety of career programs and the number of students in these programs. Attachments list occupational programs approved by SUNY since 1976, 1976-80 occupational enrollment figures, and contract course approvals. (HB)