The process, activities, and outcomes of a plan for the development, implementation, and evaluation of a statewide coordinated system for nursing education in Kentucky are described. The background and objectives of the 5-year Kentucky Nursing Education Project are discussed, along with the following project components: organizational base, assessment of educational resources and nursing manpower resources, projections of nursing manpower needs and resources, educational planning, educational development, and project evaluation. The studies are summarized in terms of their purpose, process, and major findings. Data generated through project activities facilitated educational planning, including review/approval of ongoing and new programs and degrees. Nursing conferences were also held to share information and expand the communication network, which are integral parts of educational planning. Educational development was facilitated by mini-grants to schools of nursing, identification of continuing education needs, and a delineation study of nursing that specified nursing competencies. Recommendations based on the findings of the various studies are included. (SW)