The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states lead the nation in student participation in Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs. The region also continued to match the nation in the success rates of high school students on AP exams in 2008. SREB's "Challenge to Lead" Goals for Education recognize the importance of AP and IB programs in engaging students in more advanced course work and building college readiness. This report describes states' progress in these programs (especially for underrepresented student groups) and offers strategies for policy-makers interested in strengthening the programs. For the first time, results for students from low-income families are included in the report. (Contains 5 tables.)