Alaska Natives have a high college dropout rate because of inadequate preparation for the learning and living requirements of college. This dissertation describes research used to develop Prelude, a 2-week advanced program for 11th grade rural Alaska students at Sheldon Jackson College (Alaska) that continues and expands the work begun by the basic Early College Incentive Program. A review of the literature examined (1) problems of culturally disadvantaged students entering college; (2) skills and courses required as adequate preparation for college; (3) the status of Alaska's rural schools in meeting standards of adequate preparation; and (4) strategies used in existing programs to help minority students make the transition to college. Questionnaires, telephone interviews, and a literature search collected data on 41 preparatory programs at 33 colleges and universities. The case study focused on the following features of the program: (1) preprogram assessment of student data; (2) diagnostic tests administered during orientation and used for course placement; (3) courses and academic, social, and recreational activities offered; (4) methods of course delivery; and (5) methods of course and program evaluation. Prelude staff and faculty analyzed the data and recommended procedures to implement their program. The report contains 67 references. It also includes appendices that provide a map of Alaska showing regions served by Prelude; the letter and questionnaire used to solicit research data; and Prelude's preprogram student assessment, recommendation, and diagnostic forms; and postprogram evaluation forms. (SV)