The exemplary high school dropout prevention programs funded by the federal Vocational Education Cooperative Demonstration Program that are profiled in this document reveal several elements necessary for success in an enhanced vocational education program: (1) highly qualified and emotionally stable staff; (2) curriculum and instruction that emphasize the application of learning to real situations in students' everyday lives; (3) involvement of all parts of the community in program design and operation; (4) operation that is dictated by the needs of students and the local community; (5) special consideration given to those with language deficiencies, learning disabilities, emotional handicaps, substance abuse problems, low motivation and self-esteem, and low academic achievement; (6) a clear vision of the importance of vocational education from policy makers and administrators; and (7) local school staff control of the day-to-day operation. Among implementation recommendations are the following: (1) do a thorough needs assessment of the entire district; (2) design a comprehensive program; (3) build in program evaluation from the beginning; (4) provide adequate time for planning and implementation of the program; (5) conduct adequate awareness and publicity activities; (6) use participatory management; and (7) implement those program components that are already well-developed first and develop incomplete or missing components later. Twenty-two references are listed. (CML)