This handbook provides information about an innovative model, Partners for Valued Youth (PVY), that encourages "at-risk" students to stay in school and to set broader goals for themselves through a cross-age tutoring experience in which at-risk middle school students tutor younger, elementary school students. After a preface, the following sections describe the PVY: (1) a discussion of the educational approaches that are the foundation for the PVY; (2) a description of the social and educational conditions that spurred the development of the PVY; (3) a short overview of the project; (4) an overview of major features of the program, including critical elements of an effective program, philosophical base, instructional strategy, and a support structure; (5) an overview of a framework for implementing the PVY; (6) a discussion of a planning tool and steps to be followed; (7) an overview of expected results; and (8) a discussion of conclusions. Also included are a list of contacts and materials available; a bibliography of 116 items; 5 worksheets for PVY planning; and appendices containing a description of how to use the curriculum framework, sample lesson plans for tutor classes, sample in-service training materials, and sample documentation/observation forms. (JB)