The purpose of a research study was to develop a model for recruitment, retention, and placement of female students in secondary vocational education programs which have traditionally been for males. Ten specific secondary vocational education programs were selected which had successfully recruited, retained, and placed female students in nontraditional programs of study. (Five were trade and industrial and five were vocational agriculture programs.) On-site interviews were conducted with target groups representing all persons integral in female student recruitment, retention, and placement: students, teachers, parents, employers, administrators, and counselors. Conclusions based on interview responses included (1) retention is improved when two or more nontraditional students are enrolled in a vocational program; (2) teacher attitude is critical to class acceptance of students in nontraditional programs; (3) prior experience in the field is a contributing factor to female enrollment; (4) role models are a significant factor in the success of female students in nontraditional programs; (5) audio-visual instructional, and orientation materials that include representations of females are useful in female recruitment, retention, and placement in nontraditional programs; and (6) support sessions give visibility to nontraditional students. (Interview formats and site descriptions are appended.) (YLB)