A conference attended by local, state, and national leaders and community members: (1) identified educational needs in the Frederick, Maryland area and (2) initiated an ongoing process of communication among community and education leaders. This innovative forum was sponsored by Community Commons, a citizens group, three local colleges (Hood, Mount St. Mary's, and Frederick Community College), and the Frederick County Board of Education. An overview of the speeches of the following leaders is presented: Ernest L. Boyer on national educational trends, Sheldon H. Knorr on higher education trends in Maryland, and David Hornbeck on state public education system improvement efforts. A slide show by Ann Burnside Love included information on Frederick's historical and cultural background and local educational opportunities. A second activity was a press conference with the speakers and local educational leaders, whose comments are summarized. Additionally, a work session with 14 groups identified local educational needs and priorities on the following topics: civic groups, retirees/senior citizens, education, business/agriculture, health, legislation, arts, government, homemaking, religion, recreation, technology/science, media, and volunteers. John L. Carnochan's conference summation and Annie Kronk's conference evaluation findings are reported. Local newspaper articles on the conference and a "New York Times" article are appended. (SW)