The financial benefits of a college degree are clear. Philadelphians with 1-3 years of college earn a third more than high school graduates over a working lifetime, and four-year degree-holders earn twice as much. Furthermore, college-goers contribute substantially more in tax revenues to support services provided through local, state and federal governments. But while many high school students express their desire to attend college, too often their aspirations go unfulfilled. This need not be the case. Intentionally designed approaches that include rigorous academics, opportunities to apply school learning in real-world contexts and comprehensive approaches to college access can increase the numbers of students who graduate from high school ready for college and careers, and can help them to find the right match for their postsecondary aspirations. Research-based practices that promote preparation for and access to college and careers are the following: (1) Rigor and Innovation; (2) College-Going Culture; (3) Career-Connected Learning; (4) College Knowledge; and (5) Secondary-Postsecondary Blends. (Contains 8 footnotes.)