The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a fatherhood program on risk behaviors among three groups of young fathers: those still in school (21%), those who had dropped out (52%), and those who graduated from high school or completed a GED (27%). The sample consisted of 198 young fathers who participated in a school-linked multiservice community program. Data on demographic characteristics and risk behaviors such as cigarette smoking, substance use, and contraceptive use were gathered upon the men's entry into the program and at three months and six months after the program had ended. The results indicated that overall, young fathers who were still in school had lower rates of substance use and legal problems than did school dropouts and graduates at intake, and decreased use of alcohol and problems with the law at six months. However , over the course of the study, contraceptive and condom use was inconsistent among all groups. These findings suggest that school attendance could act as a protective factor and thus that the school years might be the optimal time to address risk behaviors. (Contains 2 tables.)