About 62.8 million of the total U.S. population live in the South; of these, about 10% live in the "rural" South. Young people (under 25 years of age) constitute almost half of the total population in the South--29.4 million. Over one-third of all southern people are under 18 years of age. The racial composition of the youth population in the South differs dramatically from every other region in that about one out of every five southern youth are Black. This paper reviews and synthesizes research dealing with the educational abilities and ambitions of these youth. Specific objectives are to: provide a general framework against which youths' interests, abilities, aspirations and expectations are scientifically assessed within the context of educational settings; synthesize the major existing literature relating to these characteristics of Black youth in the rural South for the use of educators and other concerned individuals; and stimulate a concern for and interest in research of Black youth in the South, suggest patterns of studying them, and suggest areas in which further research is needed. The report consists of two relatively independent sections of research synthesis reflecting "educational abilities and interests" and "occupational and educational status aspirations and expectations". A brief demographic overview of the distribution of rural Black youth in the South is included. (NQ)