This report presents graphic and textual information to describe the unemployment problem among New York City's youth at risk, and to explore what might be done to alleviate the problem. Youth at risk are identified as the group of young people (aged 14 to 19) who are functionally illiterate and lack skills for employment. These young people, who are said to be alienated and prone to crime, reportedly comprise 20 percent of New York City's total youth population, a proportion that is expected to double in 5 years. Effective current programs for this group are then examined for the elements that are thought to be responsible for program success in providing education and employment for participants. Eleven elements of success are identified as suitable criteria for deciding how to allocate limited resources to programs. At the same time, impediments to the success of community-based programs are investigated. An assessment of current activities and roles of private foundations, the business sector, and public agencies concerned with the issues and problems of youth at risk provides the basis for the subsequent discussion of possible collaborative efforts between public and private sectors to address the educational and unemployment problems of these youths. (MJL)