IN RURAL AREAS, MANY PROBLEMS OF NEGRO YOUTH ORIGINATE IN THE LIMITATIONS WHICH RESULT FROM UNEDUCATED FAMILIES AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL POVERTY OF THE FAMILIES. DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICES REMAIN AS AN EFFECT UPON YOUTH. THE NEGRO'S ADJUSTMENT TO RURAL LIFE AND TO SCHOOL IS NOT GOOD AS A RESULTANT OF FOUNDATIONAL UNREADINESS FOR UNDERSTANDING THE NEED TO PREPARE HIS LIFE'S ACTIVITIES. THE PROSPECT FOR THE FUTURE IS FRUSTRATION AND ANXIETY. SCHOOLS HAVE REORGANIZED BUT NOT CHANGED THE CURRICULUM TO TEACH USEABLE SKILLS, AND AREA DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS ARE CARRIED OUT BY LOCAL AGENCIES. THESE PROGRAMS SELDOM BENEFIT THE NEGRO. TABLES OF POPULATION PERCENTAGES ARE INCLUDED. THIS PAPER WAS PREPARED FOR PRESENTATION AT THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PROBLEMS OF RURAL YOUTH IN A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT (SEPTEMBER 1963). (SF)