(b) "Adolescence, in fact, is the last phase of life in which society has reasonably ready access to virtually the entire population, so the potential for constructive influence is great."

A 1995 U.S. Department of Education study of the largest pre-college programs showed that of the hundreds of precollegiate programs for at-risk students operated at higher education institutions throughout the country, most begin in the ninth grade. Twenty-two percent begin at the middle school level, again most toward the end.

We need to start this work even earlier. We need to reach and encourage younger students, starting in the sixth grade, to introduce and inform them about their postsecondary options. We need to help students find and prepare for these options as they enter middle school.

How do we reach out?

Education is, first and foremost, a "family matter."

For students, it means HARD WORK and a PLAN.

For parents and families, it means SUPPORT and INVOLVEMENT.

For schools, it means HIGH EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL STUDENTS and the SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION.

For businesses, it means MENTORING and COMMITMENT.

For religious and community organizations, it means STABILITY AND ENCOURAGEMENT.

Answering the Call to Action includes some great examples of people, places, and programs that are "Thinking College Early."