The millions of disadvantaged youth, especially minority group youths, face a bewildering mix of job training and employment programs. Because of bureaucratic regulations and funding complications, most of these programs are not effective for the majority of youths who need them. To be effective, youth employment and training programs should satisfy the following criteria: (1) a mix of proven programs sufficient to the diverse needs of diverse individuals should match youth to programs; (2) a process should target services effectively to at-risk youth; (3) a mix of school, government, and private sector training should be well coordinated; (4) a built-in mechanism for assessment and reformulation of plans should meet youth needs; (5) a means for pulling in the full range of youth services, including welfare and the juvenile justice system, should be developed. State government is the ideal agent to carry out programs to serve the employment and training needs of disadvantaged youth because that level of government controls most of the funds that are used in the programs and has the best chance of meeting these training criteria. The Job Training Partnership Act passed by Congress in 1982 offers a stimulus for states to adopt policies, assert leadership, and work in partnership with localities to better apply current knowledge to create such programs. (Two sample state program strategies are offered as suggestions.) (KC)