Why dropouts left school, what they thought about school and teachers, what their lives have been after dropping out, and what made them return to an alternative program for school completion were questions examined in a study in progress in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania). To date, 88 early school leavers in the Job Corps have been interviewed. Students had many opinions about teachers, but administrators and counselors seemed to have had little impact on their school lives. For many students, school and academics were boring, and teachers were seen mainly as authority figures dispensing subject matter. Students did not seem to be engaged in the learning process. Students seemed to have experienced a lack of caring overall and did not have clear support systems, significant others, or mentors to support school attendance. Those who returned did so largely because of economic pressure in the hope of securing better employment with high school completion. Implications for intervention to prevent dropouts are discussed. Overall, there is an essential need for caring by all school professionals. (SLD)