The results of a study of school/business partnerships is reported. This privately funded national study was an assessment of collaborations attempting to increase the effectiveness of public schools. Qualitative research techniques were employed to study the components and structures of the programs and to assess student outcomes. The following discussions are presented: (1) introduction to the assessment; (2) the context of school/business collaborations; (3) what they do and whom they serve; (4) how they do it; (5) program effects; and (6) conclusions. In general, the programs showed strong potential for addressing educational reform and serving at risk youth. The increased scrutiny that businesses bring to schools seems to generate better attention to critical needs and new strategies for improving educational performance. Some of the best programs provide the students with experiences that ease the transition from school to the world of work. It is noted, however, that enthusiasm for the new collaboration should be tempered by the knowledge that such programs are limited in what they can do. Measurable positive changes in academic achievement due to these programs have yet to be documented. A 43-item list of references is included. (VM)