This publication provides a variety of information on prevention and intervention programs for rural and urban children and adolescents. Drawing from a rural sociological perspective, the introductory paper defines "rural," discusses rural-urban economic and social differences, and lists indicators of risk for rural youth. It discusses the extent of poverty in rural areas, problems of rural schools, effects of rural culture on program development and implementation, evidence of racial and sexual inequality in rural areas, and effective and ineffective educational practices. This paper contains 31 references. The publication then lists abstracts and profiles of 51 rural and 35 urban youth programs. These programs focus on dropout prevention, the problems of disadvantaged youth, exemplary programs and promising practices, enrichment activities and gifted education, early intervention, building self-esteem, and parent participation. Abstracts or annotations are presented for 9 bibliographies; 6 conference proceedings; and 37 other resources, such as books, guides, reports, and organizations. An additional 90 selected references are listed. Indexes of authors and program titles are included. (SV)