THE TWO PARTS OF THIS DISCUSSION CONSIDER THE DEVELOPMENT OF RESIDENTIAL PROGRAMS FOR VOCATIONAL AND SOCIAL TRAINING TO MEET THE PROBLEMS OF THE LOW-INCOME SCHOOL DROPOUT. PART I REVIEWS THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF RESIDENCY PROGRAMS IN SUCH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AS COLLEGES, UNIVERSITIES, CHURCHES, AND SUMMER CAMPS. PART II DEALS WITH THE ANTECEDENTS OF THE JOB CORPS (THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS AND THE NATIONAL YOUTH ADMINISTRATION) AND THE MOTIVATIONS FOR THEIR ESTABLISHMENT--THE NEED FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMS AND FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING OF LOW-INCOME YOUTH. IT WAS NOTED THAT DURING PREVIOUS PERIODS OF HIGH YOUTH UNEMPLOYMENT, THE OUTBREAK OF WARS DIMINISHED THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE PROBLEM, BUT, DURING THE 1960'S, TECHNOLOGICAL UNEMPLOYMENT HAS INCREASED THE NEED FOR ACTION TO FILL THE JOB NEEDS OF YOUTH. THE ENORMITY OF THE PRESENT AND PREDICTED DROPOUT POPULATION REQUIRES, IT IS FELT, CONSIDERABLY MORE EXTENSIVE PROGRAMS THAN THE JOB CORPS CAN NOW PROVIDE. THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN "PURCELL LETTERS," NUMBERS 9 AND 10, JANUARY 30 AND FEBRUARY 13, 1967 AND IS CIRCULATED PRIVATELY TO EDUCATORS BY SUBSCRIPTION FROM SCIENCE RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, 259 EAST ERIE STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60611. (NH)