Spurred by a national dropout rate of 25 percent, educators are examining causes of leaving school early, identifying high risk students, and devising student retention programs. This paper profiles the potential dropout, describes 10 characteristics of effective student retention programs, and describes three exemplary programs in Colorado, Oregon, and California. Recent research suggests that students drop out not on spur-of-the-moment decisions, but because of serious personality and environmental conflicts, including unsatisfactory family relationships, perceived "lower class" status, peer influence, and alienation from school. To identify these students, school staff rely on indicators such as truancy patterns and low grades and cumulative credits. Certain characteristics ensure retention program success: (1) early identification, (2) sound organization, (3) proper staff selection, (4) team approach, (5) specific focus, (6) careful student selection, (7) respected institutional role, (8) administrator flexibility, (9) community involvement, and (10) substance abuse awareness. Adequate funding is a must. Three voluntary programs, San Luis Valley Commission (Colorado), the Opportunity Center (Eugene, Oregon), and the Coca Cola Hispanic Fund (Los Angeles, California), exhibit these qualities and are providing many would-be dropouts with needed care and attention. Included are 16 references and a list of persons interviewed. A copy of the Opportunity Center's parent-student handbook is appended. (MLH)