Many youth face the following educational and economic barriers to success: (1) increased high school dropout rates; (2) adolescent pregnancy; (3) chronic unemployment; (4) poverty; (5) drug abuse; (6) suicide; and (7) crime and delinquency. The Atlantic Community College (New Jersey) Youth Corps Program, a successful conservation and service corps program serving out-of-school youth between the ages of 16 and 25, illustrates the important link between earning and learning. The program is the newest of 15 New Jersey Youth Corps programs, developed by the State to combat unemployment and illiteracy. Participants are exposed to comprehensive educational and vocational experiences, including significant contact with caring and committed adults. Project components include the following: (1) Intake; (2) Orientation and Screening; (3) Breakaway Curriculum; (4) Community Service Projects; (5) Basic Skills; (6) Supportive Services; (7) Student Council and Alumni Association; and (8) Graduation and Achievement Awards Ceremony. Among other cited benefits to students and employers, participants who were tested after competing 100 hours of the program showed a general improvement in grade equivalency levels ranging from .01 to 2.0. A brief list of references is included. (FMW)