This grant proposal describes Project GOLD (Garfield Options for Leadership Development), an after-school and summer program designed to serve African American middle school-aged youth in Richmond, Virginia. The youths are residents of public housing, are primarily from female-headed households, and are typically at least one school year behind their age mates. Program components include: a 6-week summer program to be held at Virginia Commonwealth University, an after-school enrichment program, and a parent education and support program. The program reflects the collaborative efforts of the Department of Psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University, the Garfield Childs Memorial Fund Tutorial Program, and private, community, and state agencies, in an attempt to provide new and challenging opportunities for youth and their parents who reside in high risk environments. The program is based on the conceptual framework of the Athletes Coaching Teens program, which uses a life span developmental model, emphasizes prevention of problem behaviors, and focuses on teaching new skills for living. (JDD)