The South Dakota Alliance for Transition establishes a formal partnership among state agencies, local service providers, and community stakeholders to address the transition needs of youth with disabilities. The 5-year federally funded project aims to enhance transition services through systems change: developing responsive case management and integrated transition services at pilot sites; training local school and agency personnel; coordinating services and linking programs; and creating networks for dissemination of information, materials, and services. Pilot projects were begun at four sites: one in the Sioux Falls area and three multicommunity rural sites with large geographic areas and low population densities. During the planning process, site coordinators, community service providers, teachers, community stakeholders, and others identified goals, barriers, and strategies for achieving project aims. The barriers fell into two broad groups: lack of resources and infrastructure typical of rural states and lack of comprehensive planning and coordination. The sites have found that keys to success include identifying and developing positive working relationships with key service providers; a willingness by all partners to work on shared projects; awareness and support of employers, families, and community members; access to training, education, information, and resources related to transition services; and promoting self-advocacy and good case management. (SV)