This report presents the findings of a pilot study conducted in Lake County (Illinois) that was designed to identify higher educational needs and to develop recommendations to respond to those needs. Several methodologies were employed: public hearings; market research; analyses of census, labor, economic, and educational data; consultations with state and local government, community leaders, business executives, and higher education administrators; and informal reviews of efforts in other states. Noted among the report's findings were: a strong demand for higher education, particularly among place-bound residents and working adults; a need for undergraduate degree programs in information technology and business and for graduate programs in accounting and business; and concerns about program and faculty quality, course accessibility, and cost of higher education opportunities. Following a brief introduction, the report contains the following sections: (1) a description of Lake County's educational resources and the comparative demand for higher education resources; (2) a needs analysis; (3) a description of the proposed University Center of Lake County, highlighting its campus environment, use of existing resources, and establishment of partnerships; (4) a request for institutional partners in the University Center, detailing the types of programs and coursework needed; and (5) a brief description of the next steps in the program's development. Data tables and the market research report are appended. (MAB)