A comprehensive national plan is needed to reverse the declining enrollment and employment of blacks in higher education. Over the last decade, government policies such as cuts in financial aid and the erosion of Head Start, child care, and other programs that benefit the poor have contributed to the negatives trends in minority enrollment. In addition, the inhospitable climate of many college campuses, the small number of black faculty members, and the eurocentric focus of curricula have contributed to the flight of blacks from college. To counteract these trends and conditions, seven issues must be addressed: access to higher education, cultural diversity, racism, research, systematized networking, the effects of institutional policies, and leadership and mentoring. The Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) has been acting upon these issues in a number of ways: (1) the college works with city, state, and community organizations to address a diverse array of community needs through its continuing education program; (2) BMCC developed an innovative family day care network which trains men and women to operate licensed programs in their own homes; (3) a Pre-Freshman Immersion Program provides intensive instruction in reading, math, and writing, as well as tutoring and counseling to high school graduates who have been admitted to BMCC; (4) junior high and high school students are brought to campus for extra preparation in math and science; (5) articulation with four-year colleges is an institutional priority; (6) the business sector has been approached as a source of alternative financial aid funding; and (7) the college has implemented a number of efforts to enhance pluralism and diversity. (ALB)