Community-based early intervention strategies can provide students with skills and attitudes that make dropping out of high school an unnecessary choice. This report analyzes the high school dropout phenomenon in terms of its magnitude, influence on minority populations, and need for local outreach programs. In California, the dropout rate has increased 100 percent since 1970. One in 3 high school students do not graduate, and among minorities, the ratio increases to 5 out of 10. Causes of high dropout rates among minorities include language problems and teacher inability to deal with cultural differences. In an opinion study of predominantly white California elementary teachers, 37 percent reported no cultural awareness workshops relevant to their Black and Hispanic students' backgrounds during the last three years. Local dropout prevention facilities designed to provide remediation, survival skill training, and academic tutoring for secondary students were established through private initiative, but it became evident that students needed assistance before attaining high school status. Consequently, a proposal for an early intervention dropout program was written, and this program, funded by the San Bernardino City Council and assisted by volunteers, provided enhancement support for 130 elementary students for 6 months. Students demonstrated marked improvement in the program's academic disciplines. This program's success suggests that intervention should commence at the elementary level through local collaboration. (CJH)