Thirteen Second Chance Schools in 11 countries attempt to fight school failure and social exclusion in the European Union (EU) by enabling pupils who have at most completed lower secondary school to acquire basic skills that will allow them to embark on a strategy of lifelong learning while supporting the innovation and the growth of the European economy. The schools accept pupils, usually up to age 25, for whom normal school attendance is not still compulsory. The particularities of each school varied, but some general characteristics were as follows: (1) a committed partnership with local authorities, social services, associations, and the private sector-- the latter with a view to offering possible training places and jobs to pupils; (2) a teaching and counseling approach focused on the needs, wishes, and abilities of individual pupils and stimulation of active learning on their part; (3) flexible teaching modules allowing combinations of basic skills development with practical training in and by enterprises; and (4) a central role for the acquisition of skills in and through information and communications technology and other new technologies. Results of a 1999 evaluation include the following: the retention rate has been 94%; the schools have been successful in setting up local partnerships, particularly with employers; and the schools appear to give good value for the money. The pilot program should be mainstreamed within the national education and training systems. (Includes 9 annexes.) (MO)