The Walkabout program is an optional senior-year educational experience in which New York high school students can acquire the basic skills and confidence to take charge of their lives and contribute to the world. The year-long program is divided into 5 "challenge environments": wilderness (5 weeks); applied academics (18 weeks of health and personal awareness, language arts, social studies, and environmental science); career internship (9 weeks); community service (3 weeks); and final presentation (1 week). These provide students with the opportunity to learn basic and relevant skills, go beyond their self-perceived limitations, recognize their option to change how they deal with others, make meaningful accomplishments, begin to clarify career options, and earn credit toward a high school diploma. Grading is based on an "honors,""credit," or "no-credit" system. The state-approved program is most applicable for average to bright students, either male or female. Interested high school juniors apply and participants are selected for the program from among the applicants. The Walkabout staff serve not only as teachers but also as friends and advisors to the students. Parent, student, and staff reactions to the program are positive. (SB)