The participants represented 86 percent of the 455 juveniles held in custody by the State during the research period. Two hundred sixty-six participated in all or part of a 5-day AIDS education program. Results revealed that education is significantly related to objective knowledge and to cynicism about AIDS, but is not related to other attitudes about AIDS. In addition, membership in racial minority groups was correlated with lower objective knowledge scores and greater cynicism. Although females possessed slightly less knowledge about AIDS, they were less cynical and reported practicing more precautionary behavior than males. Knowledge about AIDS was affected by age and by willingness to communicate about infection with others. Fear of contracting the disease increased with the length of incarceration and affected both cynicism and communication. Findings suggested the desirability of placing more emphasis on coping strategies and less emphasis on biological knowledge; of extending AIDS education after release; and using special strategies to target youth who are more cynical, less willing to communicate, or less fearful of infection. Tables, note, and 23 references (Author abstract modified)