Resource Links

The decision of an individual to apply and enroll in college has major economic, social, and educational consequences for the individual and others. AAERO encourages you to examine numerous lists and make your own decision about the kinds of information most important and useful for your choice of college.  We urge prospective college students and their families to visit as many colleges as possible, on the Internet and/or in person and get to know how these institutions differ.  Many African American students enroll in college and later drop out because the match between the student and the institution was not a good one.  While there are many reasons that some students do not complete college, the selection of a college that is a good match for the student’s interests, culture, personality, and resources does not have to be a cause for dropping out.

Research on educational achievement shows that much learning takes place outside the walls and hours of school.  People who excel in school often do so as a result of the things they do when they are not in school.  Museums, aquariums, science and technology centers, libraries and other informal education venues serve adults and children in after school and summer programs.

Washington Monthly

The Washington Monthly rating of colleges provides information that may be useful to individuals and families in the search for the “best” college.  This rating of colleges was created as an alternative to the well-known ratings published annually by U.S. News and World Report.

U.S. News and World Report

This U.S. News and World Report rating of colleges is a well-known ratings published annually.

United Negro College Fund (UNCF)

Formerly known as The United Negro College Fund, UNCF helps students go to and through college by:

  • Awarding 10,000 students each year through 400 scholarship and internship programs so that students from low- and moderate-income families can afford college tuition, books and room and board;
  • Providing operating funds for its 38 member colleges, all of them small, private institutions that offer a small-college experience at tuitions that average more than 30 percent less than those at comparable colleges and universities;
  • Serving as a national advocate for the importance of education for all Americans by serving as the voice of students of color through its annual television program, UNCF An Evening of Stars®, a national public service announcement campaign built around “A mind is a terrible thing to waste”® and commentary in national media.

This website has links to scholarships for eligible students.

National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education

The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher education (NAFEO) is the 501 (c) (3), tax-exempt, not-for-profit umbrella organization of the nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Founded in 1969, NAFEO is the only membership association of its kind, representing the presidents and chancellors of the diverse Black colleges and universities: public, private and land-grant, two-year, four-year, graduate and professional, historically and predominantly Black colleges and universities.

Khan Academy

Khan Academy is a widely acclaimed source of free information that helps students with homework on the Internet. It is also good for students of any age who want to learn about a range of topics, from Ponzi schemes to the formation of the Hawaiian islands.

College Board

The College Board has many programs, including information about and Internet links to U.S. colleges and universities. This website has useful tools for postsecondary education planning starting at high school. As the organization that administers the SAT, PSAT, CLEP and advanced placement exams, the College Board provides advice about when and how to prepare for these tests. There is also information about applying and paying for college.

Peterson’s Guide

Peterson’s Guide is a useful Internet source for information about colleges and graduate schools and preparation for admission tests.

National Geographic

The National Geographic Society is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical conservation. The website has many interesting articles for reading, in addition to puzzles that can be completed online. Remember much learning happens outside of the classroom.

Association of Science and Technology Centers

The Association of Science and Technology Centers is a nonprofit organization of science centers and museums dedicated to furthering public engagement with science among increasingly diverse audiences. This website provides links to many of the 600 members in 40 countries.  Viewer can have virtual tours of the centers and museums, do activities on the Internet, and learn about educational programs available at the centers.