Problems and opportunities posed for liberal arts colleges by the current political concern for educating students for high technology industries are considered. Recent reports on education, high technology, employment, and economic growth are concerned with the competitive position of the United States versus other industrialized nations, especially Japan. These reports also suggest the need to develop scientific and technological leadership, as well as a technically sophisticated work force capable of producing new products. Attracting students into science and engineering fields, setting higher standards in these disciplines, and building close university-industry relations have also been emphasized. It is claimed that the educational basis for economic prosperity in the future will still depend on analytical skills, creativity, communication skills, a knowledge of major social institutions, and sensitivity to ethical issues. The following suggestions are offered: (1) more serious attention should be paid to defining "scientific and technological literacy" and then giving it a central place in the curriculum; and (2) effort should be directed to prepare students for a world of international dependence and to be perceptive citizens of large social, economic, and political institutions. A list of associations of private colleges is appended. (SW)