The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) requires Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) to establish Youth Councils as a sub-group focused on low-income youth at risk, ages 14-21, who face barriers to school completion. Youth Councils present an opportunity to develop a comprehensive employment and training system. The WIA's vision of a comprehensive system has 10 essential elements that contribute to life/career development, including work experience, leadership development, counseling and support of caring adults and peers, meaningful connections to education and employment, community service, and sustained follow-up support. The challenge for Youth Councils is not to continue existing patterns of resource allocation, but to seize the opportunity to help youth at risk avoid self-destructive behaviors, develop skills, and build personal and professional support systems for their future careers. (Contains 19 resources that provide guidance for establishing Youth Councils and developing programs.) (YLB)