A study identified causal linkages and basic interrelationships among components of the Career Intern Program (CIP) and observed outcomes. (The CIP is an alternative high school designed to enable disadvantaged and alienated dropouts or potential dropouts to earn regular high school diplomas, to prepare them for meaningful employment or postsecondary education, and to facilitate their transition from school to work by providing instruction, counseling, hands-on career exposure, diagnosis/assessment, and climate.) Data from observation, interviews, and ethnographic data collection instruments were collected on site during a series of six to seven visits of one to two weeks. Examined during these site visits were such program components as instruction, career exposure, counseling, assessment activities, personnel qualifications and roles, curriculum, recruitment, facilities, funds, materials and supplies, relations to the community and local education agencies, and ideologies underlying CIP. Analysis of data resulted in identification of a number of adaptive and maladaptive relationships both intrinsic and extrinsic to program operations. Also examined was the broader socio-political context of CIP. (Related reports evaluating other aspects of CIP are available separately through ERIC--see note.) (MN)