Typically, the student body in career ladder programs comprises inner city students, best referred to as environmentally handicapped--by such factors as health, economics, lack of political power and weak family structure. Those in higher education are considered "high risk" by institutions because their academic background differs from that of the majority of the other students. Furthermore, they are often: (1) older and more mature; (2) have stated goals; (3) have options of more movement; (4) can make more independent decisions; and (5) have more obligations (children, homes, finances) and personal problems. The total program is a period of adjustment and mediation between past and present experiences. The counselor's goal is to help such students cognitively and psychologically meet the challenges involved in entering college programs in typically white, middle-class institutions, and to help them develop to their fullest potential. Above all, his obligation is to work for institutional, program, and value changes within the system. (KS)