This report describes the development, mission, activities, funding, and administrative process of the Education Resources Institute's Higher Education Information Center. The Center, serving Boston and other Massachusetts communities, provides information on the educational opportunities and the availability of student financial aid, as well as encouragement and assistance in the application process, to those students and their families who would otherwise not be able to participate in higher education. Among the Center's services are various youth programs; programs for women who have lost their primary source of financial support through death, separation, or divorce; and a library drop-in service and career learning line. The Center also publishes numerous materials on such subjects as career guidance, locating funding sources, college preparation, and the transition from high school to college. Collaboration is a primary activity of the Center, and tips for building collaborative efforts are listed. In addition, operational and funding aspects of running Center programs and the Center itself are discussed. Finally, the report examines the various considerations and steps required in order to develop such a Center in other communities. (GLR)