An increasing number of community colleges (CCs) and community-based organizations (CBOs) are now working in partnership to develop education and training programs enabling low-income workers to gain the education and skills necessary to obtain higher-wage jobs and develop a foundation for lifelong learning and career advancement. The following elements constitute the basics of good program design: recruitment; orientation and preparation; education and/or training; in-program support; placement; and postplacement retention and advancement. A review of three Ohio-based CC/CBO partnerships identified the following issues for consideration when developing CC/CBO initiatives: (1) whether to focus on education attainment or achieving economic self-sufficiency; (2) how to best achieve educational success; and (3) other issues related to education and skills training (credentials, recruitment, participants' income/work, connecting with employers, retention strategies, funding and the changing fiscal landscape, and college credit). Those interested in forming CC/CBO partnerships should consider the following suggestions: (1) don't force a partnership; (2) acknowledge the challenges of partnership initiatives; (3) commit to up-front planning; (4) implement the mission and strategy as planned; (5) allocate adequate staff; (6) monitor and track progress from the start; (7) let unsuccessful partnerships die; and (8) remember to use partnership initiatives to tackle more systemic issues. (18 endnotes) (MN)