At Clover Park Vocational Technical Institute in Tacoma, Washington, the overriding goal is preparing students for the job market. The school has an overall placement rate of 92 percent of its graduates. (SK)

Comprehensiveness is the key to the success of Job Corps programs. Corps centers attempt to rectify deficiencies in social attitudes, self-esteem, drug/health problems, and work habits, while providing intensive skill training and work experience to economically and educationally disadvantaged youth. (SK)

Business needs vocational education graduates with a strong business education and with occupational skill training based on clear theoretical understanding. Local business needs a close working relationship with the local vocational education community. Business could become the most important ally and supporter of the schools. (CT)

The Boston Compact is a written agreement between the school system and the business community under which businesses agree to hire high school graduates in permanent jobs, provided that the schools prepare students through a program of career education, job readiness, and employability skills. (SK)