An experimental project was initiated to provide the schools with instructional materials, evaluation instruments and a realistic classroom educational program for bridging the gap between school and work. Some major objectives were to: (1) identify appropriate course content for economic and manpower education, (2) develop instructional materials, and (3) develop evaluation instruments and procedures. Eighth, 9th and 10th grade classes in three school systems within a 75-mile radius of Athens, Ohio were selected for the pilot project. Pre and post tests designed to measure understandings and attitudes were administered to treatment and control groups matched on mental ability and socioeconomic characteristics. Some conclusions were: (1) Eighth graders enrolled in the experimental course increased their test scores by 33.4 percent more than the control group, (2) The experimental course did not induce changes in student attitude toward manpower and economic issues, and (3) Students enrolled in the experimental course reflected more interest in school and a lower dropout rate. The appendixes contain 316 pages of textual material, the 140-page teacher manual, and evaluation instruments. (DM)