The primary objective of the institute was to provide participants with a more complete understanding of (1) the need for career orientation for rural youth and (2) new concepts and implementation strategies in exemplary programs of career orientation and occupational education at the elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels. To accomplish this objective, a 1-week institute was held in Raleigh, North Carolina, for 72 participants who had been recommended by their state directors of vocational education. The institute consisted of qualified personnel presenting background information and description of model programs for providing career development from kindergarten through grade 12. Participants were assigned to 8 task groups for the purpose of formulating guidelines for the implementation of programs in their own states or institutions. In the document, abstracts of exemplary programs at each educational level are presented, along with background papers that serve as a frame of reference for the development of a total career development education program for rural youth. (JH)