This study was conducted to identify factors that affect disadvantaged women in their efforts to gain long-term employment or to complete vocational and technical education programs. Following a review of literature, a questionnaire was prepared and administered to 160 disadvantaged women in Texas. An analysis of the questionnaire responses identified a number of factors. Two factors that were consistently identified by all subjects were (1) the lack of marketable skills and (2) the lack of supportive services, particularly child care. Other inhibiting factors identified included financial difficulties; study, time management, and transportation problems; and inadequate socialization to work or education requirements. These were further hampered by a lack of competent career guidance and personal counseling as well as by a general lack of employment information and educational opportunities. The facilitating factors most consistently identified were child care assistance, financial aid for both education and employment assistance training programs, short-term employment and education programs that result in marketable skills, and job readiness assistance. The study concluded that (1) to increase successful completion of education programs by disadvantaged women, support services, particularly child care and financial aid, must be made available to this population and (2) although such help may facilitate the completion of job readiness programs, they do not ensure long-term employment because the participants do not always acquire skills in the programs for long-term employment. Recommendations were made to the National Women's Employment and Education, Inc.; to San Antonio College; and to Texas policymakers to improve programs to ensure success for disadvantaged women. (KC)