In ongoing development of the Second Chance Teachers Program at an historically African-American university, Xavier University of Louisiana, several strategic adjustments to the realities of recruitment were found necessary to achieve enrollment targets. The program was originally conceived as a project to draw surplus military personnel into careers in elementary and secondary teaching while they earned a master's degree in professional education. Adaptation of the original program concept to fit individual student background and career goals in professional education, financial and personal support needs of participants, and limitations of organizational structure proved necessary. Effective adjustment to those factors resulted in successful implementation of the program. It was concluded that viable program development must include a sound original vision, willingness to adapt that vision to the empirical realities encountered in the field, and ongoing focus on the real needs of participants. (Contains eight references.) (Author/JB)