The emerging youth service movement has reinforced and built on the foundation of service in traditional organizations and focuses on tapping youth talent and energy. Youth service is a concept that has roots in pre-20th century American society. Service programs today increasingly include training, education, prevention, and employment components. In addition, participating "at-risk" youth sense the value of the work and increase their self-esteem. The following service programs for disadvantaged youth are described: (1) the Juvenile Justice Alliance in Portland (Oregon); (2) SerVermont in Chester (Vermont); (3) Valued Youth Partnership Program in San Antonio (Texas); (4) Magic Me in Baltimore (Maryland); (5) Project OASES (Occupational and Academic Skills for the Employment of Students) in Pittsburgh (Pennsylvania); (6) Clean and Green Program in Los Angeles (California); and (7) Early Adolescent Helper Program in New York (New York). In addition, there have been several recent federal initiatives promoting youth services. National groups have emerged as leading advocates of youth service and helped to support programs operating outside established service networks. Policy considerations include defining the federal role, increasing options for low-income youth, maximizing the benefits, and avoiding abuses. A chart detailing the federal initiatives and a list of national organizations that support service programs are included. (JB)