Aimed at developing a comprehensive delivery system of college-level learning opportunities for adults living in rural areas, the book examines rural communities and their needs, types of programs available, program development strategies, issues for postsecondary institutions, and state and national policy issues. Chapter 1 defines conditions associated with ruralism: scale and size of community, isolation, cultural homogeneity within the community, and agricultural tradition. Chapter 2 describes the range of rural education programs including General Education Diploma and Adult Basic Education; occupational training; counseling and information programs; economic development; community-based volunteer adult learning programs; women's programs; campus-based programs; industry-based training; telephone, television, radio, and newspaper instruction; independent and individualized study; and integrated systems approaches. Chapter 3 details program development and strategies through gaining access to people in their communities; developing local involvement; determining and relating needs to institutional mission; fostering interinstitutional collaboration; facilitating communications between learners, staff and institutions; using media, mailers, and brochures creatively to promote service; and building "natural neighbor" networks. Chapter 4 addresses issues for postsecondary institutions: relating institutional mission to rural clientele, establishing delivery systems, and establishing institutional policies and administration. Chapter 5 focuses on national and state policy and outlines a rural postsecondary action agenda. (NEC)