Research concerning the roles that race, ethnicity, and culture play in youth development is reviewed; and the implications of this research for the design of youth development programs are analyzed, with recommendations for program planners. The analysis focuses on the various assumptions that have been used with respect to minority youth, the ecological constraints that influence their lives, and the benefits that multicultural perspectives can bring to youth development programs. The information and discussion represent a triangulation of data from published research, unpublished research, and interviews. Chapter 1 provides definitions and cross-cutting themes of race, ethnicity, and culture. Chapter 2 examines issues of racial and ethnic identity at the family and individual levels. Chapter 3 summarizes some ecological concerns of minority youth, including poverty and ethnic stratification, prejudice, racism, discrimination, and factors surrounding refugees and immigrants. Chapter 4 explores multicultural orientation for youth development programs. Appendix A contains some profiles of culturally sensitive and culturally appropriate youth development programs. (Contains 156 references.) (SLD)