Various options for supporting the costs of learning by youths between the ages of 16 and 19 years in the United Kingdom were assessed. Currently available student support services were reviewed, and evidence documenting the link between supports and student success was presented. Data were collected from the following sources: current research on student support; inspection findings about support for students in further education (FE) colleges; input from selected college student services managers; and case studies of supports at five FE colleges. The following types of support were compared: (1) support with direct costs through fee remission; (2) support with indirect costs; (3) support for living costs; and (4) support through student welfare services. Although not all institutions reported higher retention rates among learners receiving funds, they nevertheless regarded supports as having a positive impact. Four systems for evaluating the impact of support and the following areas of good practice were discussed: regular monitoring of students' progress and attendance; sufficient guidance about available supports and counseling support; and an ethos of commitment to individual support. The following items are appended: the case studies; early findings from the Education Maintenance Allowance pilots; and a summary of research on 16-19 learner support arrangements. (Contains 11 references.) (MN)