Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a promising tool to help adult learners returning to school acquire new skills, find improved employment prospects, and positively contribute to the broader economy. Though research has consistently found PLA leads to strong outcomes for adult students, PLA use remains low in colleges, particularly among community colleges, which serve the lion's share of adult students. State and system-wide PLA policies are becoming more prevalent as leaders and policymakers look to support increased access and completion of adult learners. This study examined how a systemwide PLA policy has been implemented across multiple community colleges in the same state, showing how both the external and organizational context surrounding the institutions, and the people who translate policy to practice at the institutional level, shaped the implementation. A bottoms-up approach of analyzing policy implementation was used, acknowledging that many actors, outside of top policy leaders, are key to implementation. Chaudoir et al.'s (2013) multilevel implementation framework specifically highlighted the importance of structural and organizational factors, while Lipsky's (1980) theory of street-level bureaucrats recognized the unique role frontline workers play in carrying out a policy. A qualitative case study was conducted; staff, faculty, and leadership involved with the implementation were interviewed. By identifying key barriers and facilitators to PLA use on rural campuses, such insights may inform future policy, the implementation process in schools, and the training and support of key stakeholders. The findings from this study highlight that while organizational and structural context can both facilitate and hinder the implementation of a policy, the people implementing the policy matter most. Strong leadership, clear measurement and accountability, and effective communication can lead to a strong implementation. The study suggests that leadership can optimize the likelihood of success should PLA be employed strategically for specific purposes and audiences, rather than as a blunt instrument. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]