While selected communities will be encouraged to develop programs and interventions tailored to local needs, the initiative involves three basic elements. These emphasize early intervention, the use of positive incentives to alter institutional priorities and practices vis a vis at-risk youth, and the provision of services that integrate pregnancy-prevention, employment, and educational strategies. The Annie E. Casey Foundation will make planning grants to approximately 10 cities in 1987, from which 5 will be selected to pilot the program. Criteria for site selection include a high-level commitment to at-risk youth by all major community sectors, including local Government, schools, business, and social service agencies; adequate leadership and management capabilities to coordinate and sustain multisystem changes; commitment of substantial State and/or local resources to contribute to the effort; and State-level support of local sites.