These two articles focus on opportunity programs in higher education, the first of which notes that the state of the art of designing and delivering these programs is confused, contradictory, and yet encouraging. Positive and negative research findings and program variation contributes to the confused state of the art. Another problem concerns the indicators used to define the target population. These may be insufficiently sensitive to either plan adequately for educational experiences or to evaluate program effectiveness. The status of the programs is contradictory in part because the roles and purposes of the institutions in which they exist are contradictory. Overall, effects of programs is positive, even if limitedly so. When adequately supported and implemented, college completion rate is high and attrition low. Among recommendations for change include the following: the establishment of free or low cost continuing post secondary education, development of improved diagnostic assessment technology, and matching of student characteristics to institutional capabilities. A review of the studies of the program is provided in the second article, which notes that policy changes have occurred in three broad areas in the structure of higher education: admissions/recruitment, financial aid, and curriculum. The practical responses to the necessity for change in these areas are then discussed as well as the theoretical issues involved. (Author/AM)