Although Florida law requires job placement and follow-up services for all students graduating or leaving the school system, there is a lack of understanding about contributing causes and possible solutions to the problem of high school dropouts. To gather information to develop an innovative program to reach dropouts and potential dropouts, 282 Leon County, Florida, students were interviewed. All were high school students identified as potential dropouts, or youths who had already left school before graduating. Results include extensive information on characteristics of dropouts and potential dropouts, family characteristics, attitudes toward vocational programs and extracurricular activities, persons from whom dropouts sought and received help, and changes they suggested for improving schools and encouraging potential dropouts to remain in school. Peer influence, sex differences, and racial differences are also discussed. The findings suggest that most dropouts would return to school if given the opportunity. Based on survey results, recommendations for a dropout prevention program emphasize basic academic and vocational skills as well as opportunities for improving attitudes and self-concepts. Individualized approaches, delivery systems and support systems are also recommended. The appendices include the interview schedules for potential dropouts and for dropouts used in the study, and a high school dropout participation form. (JAC)