Nine programs chosen for the ways in which they involved adolescents in significant pursuits, either in solving their own problems or in helping adults solve theirs, are described. The programs serve as models for other attempts to aid adolescents toward feeling that they can make a difference in the world around them. Obstacles for youth enroute to adulthood--prolongment of adolescence, pervasive peer group culture, rapid change, mass media, growing numbers of youth in crisis, youth's increasing social commitment, and new laws on voting--stimulate the need for student action programs. The nine projects dealing with drugs, community health, tutoring, and teaching by adolescents, community action, film production, and a national student journal are examined for the problems they were designed to meet, their goals and operating procedures, and their benefits for the people involved. The strengths of these programs suggest the components of a model for other programs, described in terms of its key elements and practical guidelines, as well as some hopes and dreams for the future. A bibliography of background and practical documents concludes the publication. (JH)