This paper attempts to describe the principles on which a Polyvalent Adult Education Center is based, its purposes, its functions, and organization, as well as its operations. It has been written with urban communities in mind. The point is made that the existing provisions for adult education are inadequate to meet the growing and diverse needs. The polyvalent approach to adult education is based on the following principles: (1) An adult worker's educational needs are multiple; (2) Educational opportunities should be available over the entire period of the worker's life; (3) The main emphasis in such education is on his "functionality"; and (4) Different educational subjects are usually given in an integrated and inter-dependent manner. Steps in planning the program include: (1) identification of objectives (2) identification of needs in the community and identification of groups that need education, (3) analysis of job requirements, (4) development of an integrated curriculum, and (5) selection and training of a part-time staff. (CK)