Efforts addressed at the pervasive school dropout problem in New York City received a boost in 1978 with the development of large scale, centrally initiated programs to reduce the number of high school dropouts. Based on the recommendations of two studies, the New York City Board of Education's Division of High Schools established outreach centers in neighborhoods perceived to have large numbers of unemployed and disaffected young people. The centers aimed to assist dropouts in developing realistic goals, overcoming educational problems, developing and implementing individual educational programs, obtaining educational experiences and career awareness, and acquiring jobs. Reports on students' achievement and program characteristics showed favorable results for the program. In addition, programs to prevent potential dropouts from leaving school were set up in twelve target high schools with very high or rapidly increasing dropout percentages. The programs identified potential dropouts and provided services to help students obtain high school equivalency and get jobs, improve learning skills among low achievers, and to prepare students for vocations. Problems continue to affect the dropout situation and dropout programs in New York City, and the attempt to confront the issue as a central rather than as a piecemeal effort is an important first step toward reducing dropout numbers. (Author/MJL)