The document establishes the need for a nationwide youth participation program and suggest strategies and problems in implementing such programs. Youth participation provides a means for young people to be released from their isolation from the rest of society by providing the opportunity for participation in socially productive activities. The volume is presented in two parts. Part I examines the adolescent predicament. Topics include the social context of youth, concepts of youth as "not yet" people, alienated youth and the alienating society, and adolescent needs. Part II, the major portion of the document, discusses youth participation at length. The first section provides criteria that may be used both in observing present programs and designing new ones, and distinguishes youth participation from other programs that benefit youth. The section concludes with an analysis of benefits of youth participation to youth, the community, the policy, and the school. The second section in Part II examines issues and concerns of program implementation. Topics include minority students, youth decision making, adult leadership, teacher training, voluntary adult participation, school credit, and the cost of youth participation. The appendix provides brief descriptions of 15 youth participation projects such as publishing community magazines, job counseling, day care work, physical therapy, tutoring, and documenting and restoring historical sites. Projects are based in public and alternative schools and in community-based agencies. (Author/KC)