Racial unrest, violence, and unemployment of youth have their roots in an inadequate education. Each year 750,000 people enter the job market without the necessary skills and attitudes for employment. Schools can prepare young people to realize their potential; the failure rate is so high because of improper attitudes, inadequate programs, and insufficient money. There is a national attitude that says vocational education is designed for somebody else's children. The federal government invests $14 in universities for every $1 it invests in vocational education programs. Students should have multiple choices within high schools; separate vocational schools or distinct vocational tracts should be exceptions in a technical and changing society. A full range of post-high school programs and prevocational education is needed. Educating youth for employment costs less that educating them for the college they will never reach and providing remedial training thereafter. The added cost of vocational education is a reason why most school districts have failed to take responsibility for providing it adequately. It is recommended that the federal government exercise leadership by allocating funds to correct the basic problems identified. (DM)