The Experience-Based Career Education (EBCE) program was designed to provide on-site vocational experiences for high-school youth in order to promote: (1) career development skills and knowledge; (2) self-knowledge--interests, abilities, and values; (3) reading skills; (4) problem solving skills; (5) oral communication; (6) writing skills; (7) interpersonal skills; (8) basic quantitative skills; and (9) maturation skills. This ethnographic evaluation of the EBCE program in Olney High School, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, describes what it is like to be a student in the program, what changes occur in student behavior and self image, how actual outcomes compare to the program plan, and what constitutes success in the program. The major problems observed were the inadequate coordination between elements of the program, the lack of discernable grading standards, and the lack of a feeling of community or group membership. The program seemed to work well for self directed and self motivated students and not so well for others. The main successes of the program were the students' increased self knowledge, their knowledge of the city, and to some extent, their knowledge about careers. The program staffing, physical environment, and activities are described, as well as the experiences and attitudes of several of its students. (CTM)