This project was established to experiment with a work-study program for mentally retarded youth in the hope that it would improve the vocational functioning of these adolescents. The 300 male students, aged 14 to 18 with IQs ranging from 43 to 83, were divided into an experimental group and a control group for the purpose of the project. The experimental group was treated in a program where the following changes were instituted: the time spent in academic pursuits was reduced from 5 days to 3 days; the school curriculum was modified to include a greater emphasis on vocationally-related material; and the students were assigned to a community workshop for additional training and rehabilitation services on the 2 days they no longer attended school. The control group remained in school for the full 5 days per week. Results showed that more of the experimental group completed their year in school than did the control group. Fewer of the experimental group were institutionalized during or after the project, and some showed signs of personal growth. (GEB)