The remarkable diversity in college preparation programs raises a compelling question: With a finite amount of time and resources, which activities are most likely to improve educational achievement for underrepresented youth in the United States? This book defines and analyzes the parameters of effective college outreach programs. Instead of looking at college preparation writ large, contributors focus on various program components, examining how elements such as academic preparation, culture, family, and mentoring operate within the context of preparation programs and how each contributes--or does not contribute--to program success. By engaging with individual program elements, the contributors provide a means for studying, evaluating, and improving them.