This report focuses on the period of transition from child to adult, and on the institutions in which that transition takes place for youth in the United States. The first of four sections lays out a set of objectives that environments for youth should meet. Part Two examines a number of institutions and processes that affect youth, including historical background, rights of youth, demographic, economic, biological and psychological development, and aspects for youth culture. Part Three presents seven issues that environments for youth resolve in some way: segregation from adults vs. integration with adults; age segregation among the young; grouping by stage of development, patterning of self-development and productivity; role-segmentation vs. community; the scope of formal schooling; and the legal status of youth. The last secion provides a number of proposals for change in institutions affecting youth. These alternative directions concern change in school structure, alternation of school and work, work organizations, youth communities and organizations, protection vs. opportunity for youth, use of vouchers, opportunities for public service, and research on on-going processes among youth. (Author/KSM)