The School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 puts in place a framework to help state and local partnerships in their efforts to build systems that help young people make the transition from school to careers and lifelong learning. School-to-work does not establish new programs; instead, it synthesizes existing models and programs to make systemic changes in the way youth are educated and prepared for work and life. Eight core elements have been identified as essential in building school-to-work systems: (1) opportunities for all youth; (2) a continuum of school-to-work elements in the core curriculum; (3) professional development; (4) exploration of all aspects of an industry; (5) employer and labor union involvement; (6) support for career majors; (7) establishment of substate structures; and (8) promotion of accountability. (This bulletin includes a brief explanation of each of the eight elements. Following each explanation is a state or local example of a school-to-work initiative that incorporates the system element. A list of contacts for each example ends the bulletin.) (KC)