This manual presents activities, practices, problems, and solutions relating to developing, conducting, and reviewing youth employment programs. Intended users are administrators of programs designed to help high risk Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) eligible youth gain vocational competence and obtain employment in the primary labor market. The manual uses the key element approach and presents detailed information about 15 elements in 4 functional areas: (1) obtaining and retaining clients; (2) preparing clients for employment and helping them obtain and retain employment; (3) the labor market; and (4) program support and implementation. Part I contains instructions on how to use the key element approach and definitions of the key elements. Part II, the body of the manual, consists of descriptions of 14 youth employment programs. Each case study has the following components: a general statement of the program; detailed descriptions of outstanding key elements; statements indicating why the elements are considered outstanding; some hints on how to replicate or to make use of learning from the project's use of the element; and the name of the person who can provide additional information about the program and specific elements. Part III is a general discussion of each element, using the information in the case studies and information in the general employment literature and literature dealing with helping high risk youth. Part IV is an index relating specific elements and the case studies. (YLB)