This volume presents selected research articles related to early intervention for college programs. This is part of a two volume set designed to showcase some of the best cutting edge research on early intervention programs. Providing an introduction to the types of these programs, this issue: presents research on why the programs are necessary; discusses the value of a classification scheme; makes readers aware of the vast number and types of programs available; and provides research evidence for the necessity of these programs. Following an introduction by Adrianna Kezar, there are two articles on program access that address: multiservice resource centers; restricted focus resource services; last-dollar scholarships and financial aid advising; early commitments of guaranteed tuition; educational awareness programs; academic preparation and precollege counseling programs; and systematic change to facilitate college access. These articles are: "School to College Transition Programs for Low Income and Minority Youth" (Ann S. Coles) and "Missed Opportunities: A New Look at Disadvantaged College Aspirants" (Education Resources Institute). Articles in the section focusing on program necessity are: "Family and High School Experience Influences on the Postsecondary Education Plans of Ninth-Grade Students" (Don Hossler and Frances K. Stage); "Increasing African Americans' Participation in Higher Education: African American High School Students' Perspectives" (Kassie Freeman); "Postsecondary Education Opportunity" (Thomas G. Mortenson); "Access, Equity, and the Privatization of College Counseling" (Patricia M. McDonough, Jessica Korn, and Erika Yamasaki); and "Early Awareness of College Financial Aid: Does It Expand Choice?" (Thomas A. Flint). Appended is a list of early career and postsecondary awareness programs for middle school students, with links to recent information on-line and searchable by state and local area, and the original publication information for each article. (Most of the articles contain references.) (CH)