Based on the findings of three federally financed dropout prevention programs--ALAS (Achievement for Latinos through Academic Success), the Belief Academy, and Check & Connect--this report highlights school affiliation and bonding strategies to prevent students from dropping out of school and provides examples of activities to address the needs of unaffiliated youth in middle and high school programs. Strategies presented include: maintaining persistent, long-term contact with students; adapting school rules; establishing discipline procedures and polices for exceptional students; and facilitating student participation in school-sponsored activities. The following recommendations are made: persistence in developing positive relationships between the student and the school; development of additional treatment options to discipline exceptional children rather than suspensions and administrative transfers; provision of support and direct intervention services to assist youth in joining school-sponsored activities; and expansion of the number of extracurricular activities. An appendix further describes the three ABC programs. (Contains 11 references.) (CR)