Explores why some education advocates say GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), which targets primarily middle school students, and TRIO serve different purposes and are both worthy of support, while others question whether there is really a need for both programs. Includes a sidebar detailing each program.…

Describes the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP), which places African American students on the path to careers in math, science, and engineering. As a result, 90 percent of its students go on to college, and more than 60 percent pursue technology degrees. (EV)

Describes the developmental studies program at Prince George's County Community College, a successful effort to improve retention rates and graduate students with high levels of academic competence. Stresses the importance of testing and remediation in reading, English, and mathematics; coordination with high schools; the learning community…

A trend toward tighter college admissions standards, because more students are coming to college ill-prepared for academic work, is seen as a lack of commitment to helping students succeed. Developmental or remedial studies programs, established early to assist largely white populations, are mistakenly attributed to growing African-American…

Five state universities' programs to enhance persistence and graduation rates among minority students are profiled. For each, the graduation or persistence rate for a specific cohort is provided for all students, student athletes, and by ethnic group (American Indian, Asian American, Black, White, Other). Characteristics and goals of each program…

Issues prominent in higher education in 1996 affecting people of color are reviewed including: legislation, litigation concerning race-based aid and admission; anti-immigrant sentiment; new provost position at Howard University (District of Columbia); major anthology of African American literature; athlete eligibility standards; student aid;…