This paper discusses the importance of using community resources to supplement classroom instruction in the social studies to enhance the students' comprehension of the importance and immediate application of classroom instruction to the real world. Community resources can be used by classroom teachers in all subject areas, and at all grade levels to: (1) enhance knowledge about the nature and character of the local community, (2) make that which is learned through the schooling process relevant to the daily lives of students, (3) provide opportunities for knowledge and skills development, (4) provide opportunities for knowledge and skills application in real world settings, (5) make learning come alive, interesting, and relevant, as a result of direct exposure and interaction with phenomena, and (6) help students to make connections between that which happens in the classroom and the real world in which they live. In the 21st century, as the day to day lives of people in all nations are influenced by increase cross-cultural links, people will be required to understand and interact with people, cultures, languages, lifestyles, and value systems unlike their own. Students must comprehend the enormity and complexity of the global community. The document discusses when such resources should be used, how they can be used, and how to develop units of study. Areas covered include visual instruction, role playing, artifacts, frame of reference, world of work, and the concept of interlocking communities. The motto of the community centered schools concept is "Don't replicate, incorporate." (DK)