Demography is clear about present cohorts; the future will include the same cohorts--only older. However, uncontrollable external forces are going to be dominant in determining America's destiny. To be effective the nation must respond quickly to these changes: the shift from a manufacturing to a service economy, an increasing number of minorities, and increased immigration. Interesting changes are consequently emerging in post-high school people and educational programs. Business has created a large postsecondary education system, corporations run colleges, and a large portion of the middle-age population is being educated. Three demographic factors that must be considered as they relate to the work setting are a potential worker's age, region, and race. Baby boomers are the most important age group, and a middle-aged society is emerging. The Sunbelt is characterized by increased youth populations, and a much higher proportion of the youth cohort is nonwhite. The Midwest is aging rapidly. Blacks are concentrated in the Southeast, Hispanics in the Southwest. The economy is moving toward a work force of a few highly paid executive and professional people and a large group of low-level service workers. The issues surrounding the "declining middle" are vital. (YLB)