This paper discusses the role of general education in the community colleges in the United States and presents recommendations for changes to improve the quality of education in the community colleges. First, the paper notes the lack of stature, relevance, and institutional support for general education in the community colleges and argues that if change is to occur general education must be defined, and its content and goals determined. Next, results of a study conducted to examine the meaning and relevance of the associate degree in the community colleges are outlined, including the need for more general education course work and updated competencies in general education; lower student demand for the associate in arts degree; the need for continued reviews in the area of high technology courses and programs; and the perceived need for more basic skills education in the community colleges. Then, college graduates' views, derived from the Comprehensive Outcome Measures Project, of the skills having the greatest value in the "real world" are specified, including skills in communication, problem solving, value clarification, functioning within various social settings, using science and technology, and using the arts. Finally, recommendations for improving general education within the community colleges are presented including the development of appropriate competency standards to guarantee quality; better liaison between the community colleges and four-year institutions; improved student counseling and career planning; the establishment of associate degree committees at each college; and efforts to attract the support of foundations for using community colleges as a national resource in advancing the world of work and developing cooperative efforts between universities, colleges, and high schools. (HB)