A study examined the implementation of the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) in 12 communities across the country. Despite the impressive numbers cited by those who proclaim that the JTPA is a remarkable success, the program's critics, and even some of its supporters, acknowledge major concerns about the program's ability to address the special needs of women. As women attempt to enter the job market, they are confronted by special problems. They are clustered in the work force in the lowest-paying and most nontechnical occupations, often face discriminatory attitudes by employers, and lack adequate supportive services. Although female participation in JTPA was found to be high (ranging between 46 and 70 percent), female representation on private industry councils was critically low. Nine of the 13 JTPA sites monitored provided money for supportive services; however, only one site used the full 15 percent of the total budget that is permissible under the law. The average hourly wage for program graduates from the sites monitored ($5.30) translated into an annual income of $11,024, which, while above the poverty level, still leaves program graduates in the ranks of the working poor. Furthermore, despite the JTPA's offer of nontraditional training, few women studied were being placed in nontraditional jobs. A list of additional resources concludes the report. (MN)