This report is part of a series of resource publications designed to provide planners with explicit information for planning, funding, and operating programs. It identifies early start-up considerations and presents alternatives for program design and administration of urban conservation and service corps programs. Many of the principles and practices are also broadly applicable to service corps in rural settings and under government or nonprofit sponsorship. The suggestions contained in the report are the result of studying the most successful urban service corps programs of the past few years. Part 1 discusses what the elements are of a successful program. Part 2 talks about developing a mission statement and program goals. Part 3 discusses initial program design issues, and part 4 considers how an administrative structure should be determined and offers some suggestions. The final section deals with elements of program implementation including work project development, staff selection, youth development, and budgeting. The report includes extensive appendices which consist of examples of contracts, agreements, work project solicitation and selection criteria, organizational charts, resources for corps planning and implementation, and New York City Volunteer Corps recruitment strategy. Also included are profiles of several service corps programs. (CG)