This report is a synthesis of presentations and break-out sessions at a 1997 national conference (held in Cincinnati, Ohio) on sustaining school-to-career systems for urban youth. Nine state-urban partnerships comprised of 68 participants attended the conference. Conference discussion and activities focused on three major themes: (1) building K-12+ school-to-career systems; (2) marketing school-to-career systems to diverse audiences; and (3) efforts and plans for sustaining high quality school-to-work principles and elements after the School-to-Work Opportunities Act expires in 2001. Conference participants also visited urban partnership sites in the Cincinnati area. The report includes five appendixes, including a state-urban initiative technical assistance model, information about the open space meeting process, a bibliography listing 17 conference materials, and a list of conference participants. (KC)