The Youth Work Skills Program provided basic skills remediation, support services, and subsidized or unsubsidized work placement to out-of-school, economically disadvantaged youth aged 16-21 with demonstrated reading scores at or below the fifth-grade level. The program had three phases: basic education/vocational and career exploration, basic education/work experience, and placement with continued supportive services. Of 455 participants, 82 percent were Black, 11 percent Hispanic, and 7 percent White. Seventy-five percent stated the program helped them decide on a career plan. Participants showed a grade gain of 1.5 for reading and a grade gain of 1.2 for math. Work Skills participants achieved statistically significant pre-post gains on the World of Work tests. Ninety-eight percent of participants reported they planned either to continue working, pursue additional training, or return to school; 99 percent would recommend the program to friends. Ninety-eight percent of employers indicated they planned to continue their program participation. Nearly 70 percent of participants experienced a positive activity, such as returning to school, getting a job, or enrolling in other training. (An appendix lists program sites and offers highlights of the elements of curriculum innovation found in each program.) (YLB)