This study sought mainly to determine how needs perceived by Cooperative Extension specialists and Extension Home Economics influentials (largely homemakers) compare with perceptions by existing and potential extension Home Economics club clientele. Rank ordered perceptions of influentials and three other respondent groups (including 207 homemakers in Lake County, Indiana) concerning educational needs were compared. Differences between influentials' perceptions and those of present and potential clients were examined in relation to five program areas and several background variables (age, education, number of children under 18, tenure in clubs, participant or not, occupation, income, residence). These were among the findings: (1) influentials ranked Individual and Community Resource Development higher, and Family Stability, Consumer Competence, and Family Health lower, than other groups; (2) "coping with tensions and pressures in everyday life" was the only statement ranked in the top 10% by every group; (3) personal and family relations, tension and pressure of everyday life, the feelings, concerns, and emotions of various age groups, and management of time and money were among the chief concerns of all groups; (4) age and number of children under 18 were the main background variables in rankings of program areas. (author/ly)