In order to remain competitive in the world economy, the United States must develop and improve mathematics and science education. Given that the future workforce in this country will be comprised largely of women and minorities, groups traditionally not entering mathematics and science careers, special recruitment and retention efforts must be developed. Urban community colleges enroll the largest numbers of women and minorities and have a special role to play in these efforts. This collection of articles reviews the status of mathematics-science education, identifies barriers to greater enrollment among women and minorities, examines the growing demand for skilled workers, and prescribes steps to be taken by urban colleges to train a more technical workforce. Included are the following 10 articles: (1) "Implications of the Mathematics-Science Crisis on the U.S. Economy," by Dennis P. Gallon; (2) "Student Participation in Mathematics and Science Programs," by Stelle Feuers; (3) "Federal Government Support for Mathematics and Sciences," by Carl Polowczyk; (4) "Breaking Down Barriers for Women and Minorities in Mathematics and Sciences," by Dianne Halleck; (5) "The Urban Climate and Strategies for Intervention," by Tom Hooe; (6) "Mathematics and Science Crisis: Implications for Educational Leaders of Urban Community Colleges," by Wright L. Lassiter, Jr.; (7) "Mathematics-Science Professors in Community Colleges," by P. M. Commons; (8) "Mandate for Action," by Frank Cerrato; (9) "Needed: An Applied Academics Program," by Dale Parnell; and (10) "Selected Sources and Exemplary Practices in Mathematics and Sciences at Community Colleges," by James Holmberg. (PAA)