In spite of limited physical plant facilities, faculty expertise, and operational funds, rural curricula and instruction can implement career education (CE) into the Kindergarten through Grade 12 instructional program by incorporating the natural, social, and human resources. A necessary part of this career education program would be concerned proximity congruency vis-a-vis community resources; that is, a situation in which students are perceptually or physically exposed to the world of work. Student awareness, exposure, and skills training can be enhanced when instructional programs are structured to provide a balance between pre-employment and psychomotor development, and skills application in real world of work situations. Instructional materials, career education resource centers, and a CE professional staff are also important components of a fully operational CE program. The career education coordinator position can be a means of mobilizing the support of the world of work community behind efforts to create and provide career education awareness, exploration, and skills training to students in rural systems. (TA)