The Manufacturing Technology Program (MTP) is a partnership between General Motors, the United Auto Workers, and the public schools in Flint, Michigan, that originated as a preapprenticeship program and has since expanded into a program preparing youth for manufacturing. The programs' effectiveness was examined through a comparison group-based study designed to determine the MTP's net impacts. Data on the grades, school attendance, and employment and earnings of students enrolled in the MTP in fall 1992, 1993, 1994, and 1995 were compared to data regarding students who were not MTP participants but who were otherwise very similar to participants. Participation in the MTP was associated with higher high school grade point averages, average class ranks, and attendance rates at the secondary level and higher average attendance rates at the postsecondary level. MTP participation also had positive impacts on three labor market measures: employment rates, wage rates, and average hours worked. The following were among the program improvement recommendations offered: develop pre-MTP skills enhancement classes for elementary-level and grade 9-10 students; institute work-slot rotation in grade 11; improve coordination of school- and work-based learning activities; establish support mechanisms for female MTP students; and monitor/reduce per-student costs. (Contains 16 tables/figures.) (MN)