Findings of a descriptive study of Drug Free Schools and Communities Act (DFSCA) state and local programs are summarized in this paper. The formula grant program, which began in fiscal year 1987, is the single largest drug prevention program funded by the federal government. This paper describes the early planning and implementation of DFSCA programs from 1986 to the 1988-89 school year. Methodology involved visits to 40 state and local programs and surveys mailed to all state education agencies, all state agencies administering the governors' DFSCA programs, over 1,800 local education agencies, and approximately 460 governors' award recipients. Findings indicate that increased awareness of drug and alcohol problems facilitated the expansion of a variety of school- and community-based prevention programs and statewide initiatives. Wide support for staff training at both the state and local levels and strong intergovernmental and communitywide collaboration existed. Overall, needs assessment, monitoring, and evaluation were weak at the state and local levels for both state education agencies and governors' programs. Finally, a shortage of state-level staff to provide technical assistance and conduct program monitoring was identified. Six tables and two figures are included. (LMI)