In 1986-87, Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC) in Michigan undertook a broad-based examination of its effectiveness in assisting minority students to achieve their educational goals. The study investigated the balance between proportions of minorities residing in the local community and proportions enrolled at KVCC; the number of minorities enrolled and the number graduating; and the barriers to minority access and success existing at KVCC. The study involved a review of pertinent literature, which identified poor academic preparation, a negative college environment, and financial barriers as the major obstacles to minority success. To investigate the existence of these barriers, KVCC surveyed current high school students (N=212), parents of minority high school students (N=59), current KVCC minority students (N=86), KVCC graduates (N=50), and potential adult minority students (N=108). The study found that: (1) though most high school students had plans to attend college, only 10% intended to attend KVCC, with concerns about the institutional environment a primary deterrent to attendance; (2) about half of the high school students' parents had encouraged attendance at KVCC; and (3) in general, current KVCC students were concerned about financial considerations; were dissatisfied with the amount and types of social interaction they had with others of the same race or ethnic background; were at least minimally concerned with the lack of ethnic diversity in the student body, faculty, and staff; and felt satisfied with their preparation for college courses. Background data, advisory committee recommendations, the questionnaires, and a 35-item bibliography are included. An executive summary precedes the text. (EJV)