The broadcasting media's treatment of Appalachia was cited as one example of the massive failure of America's institutions to meet the needs of the area's people. From government at all levels to churches, private agencies, schools, colleges, labor unions, etc., the region has received an unequal share of exploitation, netlect, unfulfilled promises, and misguided assistance. Focusing on higher education, the document pointed out that as many as 65% of Appalachian students drop out of high school before graduation, and only 1 to 10 graduate from college. The young Appalachian left behind by the higher educational system becomes the object of complicated channeling devices -- county programs, the draft, and vocational education. In 1968, however, the West Virginia Commission on Higher Education reported that only about 18% of the state's students had access to vocational training. Among the colleges and universities in the area, there have been few efforts to develop and design a program which integrates remedial education, guidance and counseling, and financial assistance into an overall educational environment. Therefore, the developmental stages which must be formulated to combat this situation are: (1) the commitment of the educational institutions; (2) recruitment and selection of students, especially "high risk" students; (3) the development of a fully accredited college level curriculum; (4) the development of a supportive services system; and (5) the organization of a staff development program. (KM)