This book reports on the first stages of a project to increase understanding about why some young people have difficulty making transitions to productive adulthood and how to help them make more successful transitions. Contents include an introduction, 10 chapters, and an epilogue. "Introduction: Preventing Youthful Disconnectedness" (Douglas Besharov, Karen Gardiner) provides overviews of each chapter. "Plight of the Inner-City Black Male" (William Julius Wilson) suggests disconnectedness is most visible in the contemporary inner city and describes the deteriorating economic and social status of inner-city black males. "Teen Sexuality Among Inner-City White Youth" (Patrick Stern) describes the role that sexual activity plays in establishing adult identities for youth in a poor, predominantly white neighborhood. "Prevalence, Patterns, and Outcomes" (Brett Brown, Carol Emig) provides a summary of findings from a study of disconnectedness. "Family Background, Church Attendance, and School Achievement" (Linda Loury) explores the impact of family and church on achievement. "Listening to Young, Inner-City African American Males" (Kathryn McLearn, Shawn LaFrance) illuminates the important role of supportive schools and families. "'Hallwalkers'" (Hilliard Pouncy) warns that many disadvantaged students see little value in attending classes because they do not connect schooling with their future financial well-being. "Improving Links between High Schools and Careers" (Robert Lerman) argues that schools are failing to provide disadvantaged students with the skills they need to succeed in the labor market. "Focus High Schools" (Paul Hill) encourages individual schools to develop clear and explicit missions about the skills their graduates are expected to have acquired and the ways in which they will teach those skills. "Extending the Time of Learning" (Andrew Hahn) provides a summary of the findings of a project, the Quantum Opportunities Program, that engaged students from welfare families most at risk of dropping out in ongoing educational and community service activities. "Youth Development Programs" (Jodie Roth, Lawrence Murray, Jeanne Brooks-Gunn, William Foster) addresses the effectiveness of the positive youth development framework for promoting healthy behavior among at-risk and troubled youth. "Epilogue" (Hugh Price) calls for preventive interventions based on strong relationships between youth and adults. Author notes are appended. (YLB)