Eleven Talent Search (TS) projects and six Educational Opportunity Centers (EOC) were evaluated. Designed to increase college enrollment by low-income youth and adults, these federal programs provide students information, counseling, and other support. Recommendations for national policymakers, U.S. Department of Education officials, and local project administrators are included. Data sources include: census data, program performance data for 1979-1982, and partial data for 1982-1983; funding proposals and reports, and questionnaire and interview data. After briefly tracing program histories and obstacles to access for the disadvantaged, information is provided on clients, services, staffing, and organization of the programs. In evaluating program success, problems in reporting and interpreting information to measure program effectiveness are addressed. It is concluded that service delivery has increasingly been cost-effective and professional and various strategies have helped diverse clients achieve educational access. However, a consistent approach to performance reporting is needed to strengthen the case for continuing support of programs and to improve service delivery. Appended is a list of the TS projects and EOC centers, the sponsoring institutions, start dates, and target groups. (SW)