Equal access to education, that is to a high quality education, has increasingly come to mean access to an Advanced Placement program. In recent years, there has been steady attention paid to opening access to AP programs. The 9th annual College Board report (2013) stated "students who succeed on an AP Exam during high school typically experience greater overall academic success in college, and are more likely than their non-AP peers to graduate from college and to graduate on time." Very often students who do not fit into the traditional mode can be successful in an AP course and on an AP exam--if they are encouraged and supported. An AP program is a wonderful way to provide at-risk students with critical tools for success in education such as: Providing examples of completed Work; Breaking projects into chronological steps as part of the instructions; Including mandatory mid-point project checks; Providing scheduled, designated tutoring times for students to come in for additional help; Using a clear rubric that is provided to the students in advance so that they can self-grade their own work; and Assessing according to what was assigned. Non-traditional students also need psychological as well as practical support. They need to feel confident that they belong in the class and that success is feasible. As in all classes, the attitude and behavior of the teacher can make a world of difference.