This document contains nine papers devoted to the labor market problems faced by out-of-school and other disadvantaged young people in the United States and policy options and strategies for addressing those problems. The papers update the data on out-of-school young adults, review the lessons learned from past youth programs and policies, identify seven guiding principles for policy and practice in the youth field, and detail a model for creating a community-wide system built on collaborative partnerships among all relevant stakeholders. The following papers are included: "Confronting the Youth Demographic Challenge: Labor Market Prospects for Out-of-School Young Adults" (Andrew Sum, Neeta Fogg, Garth Mangum); "Human Capital Investments by People Matter" (Stephen L. Mangum, Judith W. Tansky); "High Stakes Testing: Opportunities and Risks for Students of Color, English-Language Learners, and Students with Disabilities" (Jay P. Heubert); "Using Educational Resources for Out-of-School Youth" (David Gruber); "Out of School and Unemployed: Principles for More Effective Policy and Programs" (Gary Walker); "The Power of Youth Popular Culture" (Ed de Jesus); "The Declaration of Inter-dependence" (Young Leaders Council, National Alumni Council of the YouthBuild USA Affiliated Network); "Winning Support" (Dorothy Stoneman); and "Building a System to Serve Out-of-School Youth" (Marion Pines, William J. Spring). One paper contains a substantial bibliography. (MN)