The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in its efforts to improve the economy and quality of life in the Appalachian Region, has identified high school dropouts as a major stumbling block to the area's economic growth. Findings of ARC-sponsored research on dropouts include the following: (1) high school dropouts are a serious problem in Appalachia, with some counties having dropout rates as high as 50 percent; (2) the problem cannot be effectively handled by schools alone: a variety of groups and resources must work together to attack it in each school district; and (3) public awareness of the problem and prevention efforts is low. With these and other findings, ARC developed a regional dropout prevention effort which, in its first 18 months, has allotted $2.5 million to 46 prevention projects. In addition to funds, ARC operates a regional awareness campaign whose objectives are: (1) to increase public awareness and understanding of the incidence of dropping out and its impact on the economic well-being of local communities; (2) to educate the public about the importance of keeping youth in school and in how the public can participate in reducing dropping out; and (3) to promulgate the efficacy of public/private partnerships in supporting dropout reduction efforts. This campaign includes the dissemination of information, resources, and encouragement. An appendix provides details about particular prevention programs. (KH)