The development of trained manpower in gerontology for the delivery of health and social services to older adults in Pennsylvania is the focus of an ongoing adult education program at The Pennsylvania State University. This paper discusses the theoretical and methodological bases for this program, with emphasis on the importance of linking community-based education and training programs with the appropriate academic base, to provide the conceptual framework and evaluative expertise required for a good program. Assumptions and observations about this process led to theoretical and methodological formulations for adult education in general, with specific examples provided from the current gerontology project. (Author)