The work experience of high school students is investigated, including type of work, amount of time worked, reasons for jobs away from home, effect of work on school performance and activities, and reasons for not being employed. The sample consisted of 1,227 urban and rural secondary school students in 14 Georgia high schools, 35.9 percent of which were white males, 38.5 percent white females, 9.9 percent black males, and 14.4 percent black females. Over 86 percent reported work responsibilities at home requiring ten hours or less weekly; 34 percent reported that they held jobs outside the home, with the majority working 21 or fewer hours per week. Those with jobs worked to purchase luxury items, have spending money, operate a car, save for college, or to gain work experience. Black students appeared to have fewer opportunities for jobs; suburban students had the most opportunities. The most notable finding was the lack of relationship between academic achievement and work in and out of the home. A substantial number of non-job holders indicated that they did not know the procedures for finding a job. The positive effect of part-time work experience, job knowledge, and reading achievement on employment status provides support for encouraging limited work experience for high school students. (KC)