Along with a brief history of American junior colleges and the principles on which they were established and currently operate, this paper discusses their main problems: (1) sources of funds (state aid, local taxes, tuition, fees) and the proportionate amounts received from each; (2) the expected diversity of courses to satisfy remedial, academic, vocational, technical, community, and transfer needs; and (3) control, whether local or state. The trend is to state control because of funding, the efficiencies of central planning and coordination, and the mobile population. Listed are the advantages and drawbacks of four levels of control: a public school district, an independent district, a college or university branch, and the state level. Descriptions and a few statistics are given for typical students' background, academic ability, employment, occupational choice, motivation, attitudes, and age range. Included also is a brief description of the seven principles developed by AAJC for the legal establishment of junior colleges. The author then details the establishment and status of the 2-year college in New Mexico--its organization, boundaries, affiliations, course of study, taxation, bonds, and governance. The last chapter deals with program specifications for a possible college in Albuquerque. The essential program areas are academic affairs, occupational training (following national and regional manpower needs), general and continuing education, community services, and student personnel. (HH)