Objectives of the study were (1) to develop and implement an alternative work experience program for a middle school; (2) to test the effect of the program on attitudes toward school, career maturity, and vocational interests of the students; and (3) to provide information and procedures for a model work experience program. Western Kentucky University, in cooperation with Bowling Green Junior High School, provided a total of 40 hours of planned career exploratory experiences in two occupational areas for 126 ninth grade students. Pretesting and post-testing of participating students and a control group utilized the School Sentiment Index (SSI), Career Maturity Inventory (CMI), and Ohio Vocational Interest Survey (OVIS). Three evaluations were conducted, two by external evaluators and one by a member of the project staff. Data for the internal evaluation were obtained from questionnaire surveys of students, parents, work experience sponsors, teachers, and the principal and counselor. Program costs were compared to the cost of establishing career exploration/practical arts programs. Based on data collection, analysis of test results, and the evaluation surveys, conclusions and recommendations were formulated. Eleven appendixes include project forms, student evaluation instruments, school sentiment index, and the two external evaluation reports. (RG)