Vocational Education (VE) has long been recognized for its "hands-on" approach to education and ability to demonstrate a connection between school and employment. The consensus of the literature is that VE facilitates student skill development, retention in school, and employment. According to the research, reducing the dropout rate is the most common outcome of VE for at-risk populations. VE has also been demonstrated to raise the employment and earnings of at-risk youth and adults. Programs targeted to a specific segment of the at-risk population or a specific area of need have been especially successful in increasing employment and earnings of program completers. The research has also shown that skill development (academic and vocational) is only one factor impeding the continued education and employment of at-risk populations. To improve their status in life, disadvantaged individuals need vocational programs to connect them to the support services such as the following: assessment, counseling, mentoring, resume writing, referral, placement in full-time positions, follow-up, and continued educational opportunities. Employers, mentors, and other community members, including parents, can augment VE by helping at-risk persons bridge the gap between their current status and realization of their life and work potential. (MN)