In 1974 the Syracuse University Research Corporation developed the Regional Learning Service (RLS) to provide a free-standing, community-based educational and career information and counseling agency. RLS disaffiliated from the parent body in 1979 and turned to client fees, contracts, and contributions for a financial base. Clients' characteristics have changed over time, but have included a wide variety; most have been at turning points in their lives. The primary criterion for selection of part-time counselors, called learning consultants, has been personality characteristics. RLS has extended its services from one-to-one counseling services to experiments in group services and new initiatives--development of workshop packages, dissemination to business and industry, and expansion of educational and vocational testing services. Two evaluation studies have been conducted by RLS. Results of the second evaluation showed that the clientele continued to include a diversity of ages, backgrounds, and situations. More persons were referred by friends, relatives, and other community organizations. Clients took definite education or career action and made positive comments about RLS. Followup telephone surveys indicated clients visited RLS for career counseling and had higher employment rates. (Instruments, data tables, and client case studies are appended.) (YLB)