This study was designed to examine student support services and dropout prevention approaches utilized by guidance personnel to prevent at-risk youth from dropping out of school. The effectiveness of the counselor when dealing with the problems of at-risk, disadvantaged youth can be directly attributed to the counselor's knowledge of a students relationship with academics and the school environment. Data were gathered by means of a questionnaire which was developed and mailed to randomly selected vocational and school guidance counselors within Virginia. The results of the study reveal that some differences in the use of dropout prevention approaches and community resources utilized exist between vocational and school guidance counselors. / Master of Science