The influence of background characteristics on dropouts from a Job Corps Center was investigated using a Biographical Information Blank. Successful and unsuccessful male and female volunteer Corpsmembers were compared and the data analyzed by univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results strongly support the prediction that biographical characteristics are important in determining Corpsmember failure in the program. It was also found that the nature of family and peer relationships; previous social adjustment and structured activity and factors related to ethnicity and cultural attitudes are influential. There are also indications that potential dropouts may be affected in a positive manner to complete their training.

This research was a reanalysis of an extant data set on a Youth Employment Demonstration Projects Act (YEDPA) summer program. The ten week, seven site program combined classroom training with a worksite experience and was targeted to drop-outs, potential drop—outs and adjudicated youth. Eligible youth were randomly assigned to participant and control groups and were measured at pre— and postprogram and three and eight month follow-up. The data set included information on 1901 participant and 978 control youth.