The BEST (Building Exemplary Systems for Training) Initiative was evaluated in meeting the following goals for youth workers: (1) increase and strengthen training opportunities at the local level; (2) help communities develop professional development systems; (3) build local capacity to make training accessible and supported by youth-serving organizations; (4) employ facilitators from the youth-serving sector; (5) promote sensitivity to the culture of the youth population; (6) create connections with career ladders within the field of youth development; (7) foster professional associations, certificates/degrees through higher education institutions, and recognition programs; and (8) institutionalize supports for professional development as part of a community's efforts to help young people reach their full potential. Data gathered from 1999-2001 from 15 BEST Initiative sites demonstrates that the program is effective both as a strategy and as a model for building a system of professional development services and supports to youth workers, and resulted in the following conclusions: (1) professional development must be embedded in the local youth-serving sector; (2) a common language and strong networks for information sharing are keys to supporting youth workers; (3) youth workers must have support and a commitment to youth development from organizations as a whole to implement effective programming; (4) professional development must be continuous and provide a range of opportunities; and (5) building organizational capacity to support youth workers helps improve retention. (Appendices include contact information, an evaluation methodology, and an AYD (Advancing Youth Development) curriculum. Includes 5 graphs and 8 tables.) (MO)