A third-party evaluation was conducted of the first year of the Exploring Careers through Experiential Learning project (ExCEL). ExCEL is a planned adaptation of the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory model (NWREL) to meet the needs of students in Prince William County, Virginia, and to assist high school students in successful transition to adulthood. Career development, life skills, and basic skills are emphasized as well as extensive student exposure and experience in community learning sites. Student growth is facilitated primarily through six student learning activities: career explorations, learning levels, life skills projects, functional competencies, student journals, and employer seminars and sponsored field trips. Data was collected concerning five process objectives (selection and preparation of staff, preparation of learning resources, selection of students, preparation of student learning plans, and implementation of learning activities), and concerning student outcomes and participant perceived effects. In addition, the evaluators addressed the area of avoidance of sex-role stereotyping in the program. Recommendations made concerned the increased recruitment of the economic sector to serve as community learning sites, additional staff training in individualizing instruction, and greater opportunities for students to investigate nontraditional careers and observe nontraditional role models in work situations. (TA)