This report describes three model programs in dropout prevention that were developed for three school systems, Granville, Haywood, and Wake Counties, in the State of North Carolina. The three model programs have several general characteristics in common: planning; comprehensiveness; collaboration; commitment of a wide range of people; and dropout prevention as an integral part of the overall school program. The common program elements include an interagency advisory council for dropout prevention; an educators' committee for dropout prevention; a dropout prevention coordinator on the central office staff; joint training; a written plan of action; media emphasis; and a data collection system. The report describes, in the school system's own words, each dropout prevention program. The report concludes that during the three years of implementation, the model programs for dropout prevention in Granville, Haywood, and Wake Counties have developed sound strategies to meet the needs of all youth identified as at risk. In each of the sites the entire community has been involved in the implementation process. (MS)