For program year 1996-97, 222,639 North Carolina (NC) 9th-12th graders were enrolled in Workforce Development Education (WDE). Twenty-five curriculum products were developed, 34 course blueprints were revised to reflect business/industry practices and state/national standards, and about 3,600 business/industry personnel participated in WDE activities. Secondary programs provided 1,411 single parents, displaced homemakers, and single pregnant women with support services and employability skills. Programs funded by 17 gender equity grants provided support services and technical assistance, conducted staff development, and developed materials. The Youth Services program offered courses to help students develop marketable skills. Services were provided to 23,167 disabled and 2,107 limited English proficient students. Delivery mechanisms for professional development included satellite broadcasts, North Carolina Information Highway, Internet homepage, satellite teleconference, telephone conferences, and video segment development. Curriculum development centered on the NC Vocational Competency Achievement Tracking System. High school youth apprenticeship programs expanded. A model of NC's The ABCs of Public Education was approved. To evaluate the tech prep initiative, 25 consortia participated in the High Schools that Work assessment. (Appendixes, amounting to over one-half of the report, include enrollment tables, performance standards, and performance standards report.) (YLB)