A three-year study examined the significant factors that affect the job placement rates of students completing a Home Economics Related Occupations (HERO) program. Other purposes of the study were to develop and pilot test a model that could be used to determine factors related to student placement in a variety of vocational education programs and to provide a thorough description of the HERO programs under study. During the second year of the study, researchers visited 145 program sites throughout Michigan that had HERO programs in child care; food management, production, and services; and clothing management, production, and services. Data from each of the site visits were organized first into individual case studies and were then analyzed collectively to ascertain factors associated with student job placement rates. While many of the findings were specific to only one of these programs, four findings applied across all three programs. First, program assessment procedures should be used for program evaluation and should be enacted at least once each year. In addition, multiple resources should be used in curriculum development, and promotional activities should be targeted to guidance counselors. Finally, student follow-up should be used for program modification. (A list of programmatic recommendations are appended.) (MN)