Over 3,000,000 youths aged 16-24 fall into the category of unemployed or persons who are discouraged and no longer actively seeking work. This number accounts for more than half of the unemployment in the U.S. and represents a personal tragedy for the youths as well as a considerable loss of productivity for society while adding a drain on its resources. Although the problem is widespread throughout the country, it is greatest in urban areas and affects blacks at a higher rate than whites. Youths suffer from such severe joblessness because (1) they are new entrants to the labor market and lack experience and seniority; (2) their proportion in the total population has risen since the late 1950's; (3) they lack adequate training and job skills; (4) they encounter discrimination against their age and, if non-white, against their race as well; (5) the work they often can obtain is the lowest on the job scale; and (6) the increase in the minimum wage adversely affects their employment. To alleviate this situation, Congress enacted the Youth Employment and Training Act in 1977 as an amendment to the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA). The role of vocational education was not considered in this legislative action and needs to be defined. (Statistical tables are included in both the text and appendix.) (ELG)