This paper describes an undergraduate course called "Applied Communication in Training and Development," which educates students for life while helping them to see the practical application of what they are learning, and also reaches outside the university to meet the training and development needs of the larger community. The paper begins by identifying the course's benefits for students, for the community, and for faculty. The paper then discusses the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes faculty need to enact such a course, focuses on student preparation for working with clients before and during the course, and explores client site selection. Next, the paper discusses the structure of the course with particular attention to the use of contracts. Following this, it deals with faculty monitoring of the progress of students, the projects, and the clients, and discusses course evaluation activities. The paper concludes with some cautions about using this approach. Three appendixes contain the class syllabus, a trainer self-assessment sheet, and guidelines for a learning contract. (SR)