This book describes how "at-risk" Hispanic youth defy the odds and stay in school to earn a high school diploma. Information about success is needed because Hispanic youth drop out at about twice the rate of non-Hispanic Whites. The discussion is based on the results of a 4-year longitudinal study of 100 Hispanic youth labeled at-risk by their school districts. These students and their families were first interviewed when they were 15 years old, and they were followed for 4 years. Qualitative information comes from open-ended interviews; quantitative data are from various school sources. The seven chapters at the core of the book focus on the following key factors: (1) tracking of students; (2) grade retention and high standards; (3) gang involvement; (4) teen motherhood; (5) special needs of immigrants; (6) high school equivalency programs; and (7) educational administration and policies. Obstacles to school completion and successful strategies used by students and their families to encourage school completion are described. Recommendations are made for changes in the public schools to enhance Hispanic students' graduation rates. Eight appendixes contain parent and student questionnaires and interview forms used in the study. (Contains 1 figure and 10 tables.) (SLD)