In August 1983, when the second largest employer in Washington County, Maryland, closed its plant, the local unemployment rate was 13%. The following month, Hagerstown Junior College (HJC) received $50,000 in state funds to initiate a dislocated worker (DLW) program. The program included orientation by a counselor, diagnostic testing, and enrollment by the workers in credit or non-credit vocational programs. The displaced workers experienced a number of problems following their enrollment, including feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, difficulty in adapting to student life, and the constant need to look out for job opportunities. In recognition that it was not possible to develop the services this population needed through traditional college resources, the program was expanded later that fall. A 7-week "mini-mester" was developed for workers who were not able to enroll in the regular fall semester; a grant proposal sought funding for a DLW center to provide counseling, job survival skills, and a general support system; and a referral system among area service providers was developed. In spring 1984, 164 dislocated workers enrolled at HJC in vocational courses, regular credit programs, and specially designed short-term training programs. Some students were unable to complete the term as unemployment benefits ran out, and they were forced to take any available job. Lessons learned from the HJC experience underscored the importance of recruitment, support systems, program structure, and staff development. (HB)