In 1963, 19 unemployed Negro men entered a one-year program sponsored by the Office of Manpower, Automation and Training at Sinai Hospital, Detroit to learn practical nursing. Simultaneously a demonstration project to identify trainee and teaching staff problems and their possible solutions was carried out by two psychologists who provided supportive services--group counseling, individual interviews, staff consultation, and help in personal crises. There were no dropouts although six men were dismissed. The formal follow-up study four months after graduation, showed that nine trainees were good nurses and three others showed promise. It was concluded that (1) shifts can be made in the behavior of most disadvantaged men, (2) when testing is necessary, methods to reduce tension should be used, (3) communication can be improved through feedback and use of both verbal and written instruction, (4) staff must accept slim trainee motivation, help trainees cope with anxiety, and reduce the severity of culture-shock caused by opposing pressures, (5) wives of trainees need better understanding of their husbands' job demands and pressures, and (6) psychological assistance is useful in selection of training personnel and in staff consultation. (aj)