As an increasing number of students and their parents are discovering, even today's high college costs can be managed. Organizations such as the Horatio Alger Association are providing options to make access to higher education more affordable and accessible. Here are three hints on how to pave the way to success in higher education:

1. Be prepared financially. According to a recent poll, just over 33 percent of teens identified "save for college" as their primary motivation for summer employment. However, students and parents should keep in mind that summer employment can make a huge dent in college expenses.

In addition, there are scholarships, grants and low-interest student loans available from the federal government and hundreds of private and civic organizations. Students can consult with their school guidance counselors to find out more about available scholarships.

One key resource for scholarships is the Horatio Alger Association. Students selected as Horatio Alger National Scholars represent outstanding young Americans who use determination and a desire for education to overcome obstacles. The association is a nonprofit educational association and the nation's largest private provider of need-based scholarships.

Horatio Alger scholarships are also determined by a need-based formula. Poverty, foster care, parental substance abuse and physical abuse did not prevent 106 high school seniors from winning a 2006 Horatio Alger National Scholarship for $10,000 each last year. This year's award has doubled to $20,000 per student, and includes an all-expense- paid trip to Washington, D.C., to receive the award and meet distinguished members of the Horatio Alger Association.

2. Embrace positive role models. Look around your community and reach out to successful people. The Horatio Alger Association has an active alumni association that offers networking and mentoring opportunities to scholarship recipients. Award winners get the opportunity to meet many distinguished members of the Horatio Alger Association, including talk show host Oprah Winfrey, Associate Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs, who, despite their humble beginnings, achieved great success.

3. Seek out work-study programs and internships. The Horatio Alger Association can help students find a wide variety of internship and work opportunities for its scholarship winners.