This monograph discusses the specific components that might be used to improve the college-going rates of low-income urban youth when they participate in "college preparation programs" that supplement or complement what takes place in school. Many people have ideas about helping youth, but not all approaches are equally successful. College preparation programs cannot be blamed for continuing disparities in educational achievement nor viewed as a cure-all for educational inequity. This monograph considers the program components that are most likely to improve educational achievement for underrepresented students and discusses nine key components: (1) a rigorous academic curriculum; (2) academic, college, and career counseling; (3) cocurricular activities; (4) incorporation of students' cultures; (5) family and community engagement; (6) peer support; (7) mentoring; (8) timing of interventions; and (9) funding priorities. (SLD)