This ERIC Digest reviews research data on young urban, low income, and often minority parents and their involvement in schooling for themselves and their children. A look at the demographics of this subgroup shows that families headed by single teenage mothers comprise the fastest growing category of family groups, particularly among African Americans. Consequences of early childbearing often include not finishing school, reliance on welfare services, and decreased school readiness for their children. Some research on repeating patterns of low education achievement and early pregnancy suggests that school cultures may be a barrier to breaking that cycle. A review of traditional programs to enhance parent participation looks at five typical types of programs and discusses the challenges of making these effective. Research on early intervention shows that parents' involvement tends to be greater in the early years of their children's lives and that programs like Head Start are becoming more family centered and are advocating family literacy and other goals. Other innovative strategies center on schools' roles in decaying urban communities to create "social capital in the community." Several such programs are described. Programs for multilingual families are also noted. Twenty-two references are included. (JB)