This paper addresses educational reform as it affects dropouts, minorities, diverse cultures, training programs, and community-based education. Effective dropout-prevention models are presented that address the needs of at-risk populations. The author states that much dropout prevention and reclamation takes place off of school district campuses and suggests that many community-based educational programs are having a significant impact on prevention and recovery. Several programs are highlighted such as Alternative Street Academy, Project Early Outreach, Operation RETAIN (Rescue Educational Training and Initiative Now), Teens for Responsible Behavior, Project Earn and Learn, RETAIN II, Operation Reclaim, Operation Read/Project Citizen, and the Substance Abuse and Gang Intervention Program. Several reasons are attributed to the success of these programs, including offering individualized education; having proper role models; having a culturally, ethnically, bilingually, and socioeconomically sensitive staff; and using individualized services from counseling volunteers, universities and colleges, and the community. Despite these efforts, however, the high dropout rate continues unabated, fueled by financial pressures, teen pregnancies, cultural and ethnic differences, and high unemployment. Financing validated, effective programs is part of the solution recommended. Contains 15 references. (GLR)