The central mission of Pre-Collegiate Programs is to provide support services that promote education and improve the lives of underrepresented students academically, socially, and financially. This will be accomplished by creating an environment that is nurturing, helpful, provides leadership, fosters development and community outreach, and encourages academic excellence through supplemental instruction, advisement, and mentoring. The National Achievers Society (NAS) was established with the purpose of encouraging students to excel both academically and culturally. The NAS at FIU is sponsored by The Florida Education Fund (FEF), which established 10 Centers of Excellence throughout the state to identify and motivate historically disadvantaged elementary and secondary students to subscribe to individual and group motivation, academic skills development, cultural enrichment, career awareness and increased exposure to higher education. Florida International University serves as the South Florida Center of Excellence. To be a National Achiever, students must meet the following criteria: Enrolled in a Miami-Dade County school in the 4th - 10th grade; An A or B student, having at least 2 As and no Cs (unless those Cs are in advanced or honors classes) for the last 3 consecutive report cards (both academic & conduct grades); A positive example for other students to emulate and active in the community.