A study examined existing collaborative activities between private or public employers and adult basic education (ABE), general educational development (GED), and English as a second language (ESL) programs in Maryland's 24 local education agencies. Information was gathered directly from 16 ABE administrators (including 4 community college administrators and 1 prison education coordinator), 5 community-based organizations and literacy networks, and 9 employers. The information gathered indicated that collaborative partnerships can be beneficial to public and private sector organizations alike. One apparent major impediment to the expansion of current partnerships is that employers are often unaware of literacy education needs in their current work force and among individuals likely to become future members of their work force. The fact that ABE programs often lack the staff and financial resources needed to disseminate information about the availability and benefits of adult literacy and specialized training courses imposes a further obstacle to the expansion of partnerships. These obstacles can be overcome by (1) establishing a broadly based advisory committee, (2) developing employer interest in literacy, (3) expanding initial contacts with employers, (4) encouraging employer involvement through internal and external activities, and (5) doing more in the way of assessing the results of collaboration. (Appendixes include summaries of major pieces of federal legislation supporting adult literacy programs, the survey instrument, the study contract, a brochure on adult literacy programs in Maryland, and the names and addresses of employers and organizations involved in adult literacy education.) (MN)