he fastest-growing segment of the undergraduate population is students over the age of 24, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Many of these students are women and minorities, and all face an unusual set of pressures in going to college. "The university atmosphere is usually dictated by teenagers, everything from the music to the social life," says biology professor Terry Johnson of Kansas State University. "Older students tended to come on campus and quickly leave. They never get to know about each other." Kansas State University specializes in providing support for nontraditional students, who now make up more than 15 percent of the university's student body. A particular focus is single parents pursuing health care careers. "These students are well motivated," says Johnson, who directs the support program for nontraditional students, "but many have difficulties." The university's biology division provides financial help, child care, faculty and peer support, and monthly seminars on such topics as campus resources, career preparation, and stress management. About 25 students are enrolled in the program, and another 60 or so take advantage of various resources. "It's had a remarkable effect," Johnson observes. "They babysit for each other. They help each other out." Sharon Brooks at City College of New York is an older student who is moving from Broadway to biology.

Expanding The Talent Pool Native Americans at Fort Lewis College African Americans at Xavier University of Louisiana Hispanics at the University of Texas at San Antonio Women at Wellesley College Reaching Out to Older Students Two-Year Colleges A Kaleidoscope of Approaches: Part One A Kaleidoscope of Approaches: Part Two A World Of Opportunity Changes in the Classroom The Laboratory Experience Faculty in the Crossfire The Many Paths to Success