February is African American History Month in the United States. During this month, Americans celebrate the contributions that African Americans have made to our history.  As a current or prospective F or M student in the United States, African American History Month is a good time to learn about the White House’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The U.S. Department of Education explains that an HBCU is a school that meets three important standards:

• Was established before 1964
• Has a primary mission that “was, and is, the education of black Americans”
• “(I)s accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting agency or association determined by the Secretary (of Education)”

F and M students may apply to an HBCU as long as the school is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

How is your school celebrating African American History Month? Tell us on Facebook or Twitter.