THE MAYO STATE VOCATIONAL-TECHNICAL SCHOOL WAS ESTABLISHED AT PAINTSVILLE, KENTUCKY IN 1938. IT IS LOCATED IN A RURAL AREA OF KENTUCKY WHERE COAL MINING HAS PROVIDED JOBS FOR MANY FAMILIES. IN RECENT YEARS, DEPLETION OF COAL AND MECHANIZATION OF MINING HAVE BEEN MAJOR FACTORS CAUSING UNEMPLOYMENT IN THIS AREA. THE MAYO SCHOOL HAS SERVED TO PROVIDE SKILLS AND TRADES TO MANY OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS THROUGH THE MAIN CAMPUS AT PAINTSVILLE AND ITS SEVEN HIGH SCHOOL EXTENSION CENTERS IN THE SURROUNDING AREA. THESE CENTERS ENABLE HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS TO COMPLETE ONE-HALF OF A TWO YEAR VOCATIONAL COURSE WHILE STILL ATTENDING HIGH SCHOOL. THROUGH CAREFUL PLANNING AND CORRELATION OF PROGRAMS, THE STUDENT MAY TRANSFER TO PAINTSVILLE AND COMPLETE HIS COURSE OF STUDY. STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED AT THE PARENT INSTITUTION ACCORDING TO THE DATE SEQUENCE OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED. THE ONLY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND REQUIRED FOR ADMITTANCE IS THE ABILITY TO READ INTELLIGENTLY. EMPHASES ARE PLACED ON THE INDIVIDUALIZATION OF CURRICULUM FOR EACH STUDENT AND ON INVOLVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. THIS SPEECH WAS PRESENTED AT THE NATIONAL OUTLOOK CONFERENCE ON RURAL YOUTH, OCTOBER 23-26, WASHINGTON, D. C., SPONSORED JOINTLY BY THE U. S. DEPARTMENTS OF AGRICULTURE, HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE, INTERIOR, AND LABOR, OEO, AND THE PRESIDENT'S COUNCIL ON YOUTH OPPORTUNITY. (ES)