Your Study Abroad Resource to Find Answers, Funding, and Programs

Info to Support Diversity

Diversity Resources

Find links to resources that support academic achievement for underrepresented students below. Resources relevant to all students with diverse backgrounds are located in the first section entitled "underrepresented students" and the remaining resources are categorized by group - African American Students, Asian American Students, Hispanic and Latin@ American Students, and Native American Students.

Please note: The PLATO project is continuing to collect resources and information to help increase participation by diverse students in study abroad. If you have information you would like to share, please provide samples of marketing, pre-departure orientation, on-site orientation, and reentry materials to help us in developing new resources.

Underrepresented Students

  • Access International Education Network: Resources on Underrepresented Groups in International Education
    Resources for parents, students, administrators, and researchers, including scholarships for international education and study abroad for underrepresented groups
  • Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) Diversity Resource Site
    The AACU Diversity resource site addresses fundamental questions about higher education in a diverse democracy. The project publishes policy papers and resources, supports faculty study and institutional planning, and provides materials for curriculum development and classroom teaching.
  • California Council of Cultural Centers in Higher Education (CaCCCHE)
    CaCCCHE extends advocacy that affirms ongoing diversity efforts by existing centers; providing leadership for the establishment of new initiatives; creating opportunities for networking and personal growth in the field; and promoting a philosophy that recognizes the tensile strength that diversity in all its manifestations brings to our campuses, communities, lives, and society.
  • Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS) - Trinity College
    The Consortium on High Achievement and Success (CHAS) is composed of 34 private, select liberal arts colleges and small universities dedicated to promoting high achievement, leadership and personal satisfaction of students on member campuses, with a focus on promoting success among students of color. CHAS develops programs to support the whole student academically, socially and culturally. CHAS is funded by the Nellie Mae Education Foundation and is hosted by Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut.
  • Diversity Web: An Interactive Resource Hub for Higher Education
    The Diversity Web project is housed within the Office of Diversity, Equity and Global Initiatives at the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U). It is a comprehensive compendium of campus practices and resources about diversity in higher education. This site is designed to serve campus practitioners seeking to place diversity at the center of the academy's educational and societal mission.
  • DiversityAbroad.com
    A comprehensive study abroad and cultural exchange portal. Learn about the benefits of going abroad and the tools to get you there. Get advice and connect with other students going abroad. Search for International Scholarships and explore study abroad and other international programs. Get access to health and safety tips and our parent's guide to study abroad.
  • Institute of International Education
    The IIE Network Website is the membership website of the Institute of International Education. This page contains information on scholarships offered to minority students and how to apply.
  • International Studies Abroad
    Resources for diversity in study abroad.ISA has provided college students in the United States and Canada the opportunity to explore the world. In the age of globalization, an intimate understanding of a foreign culture is both a valuable academic asset and an enriching personal experience. As a leader in international education, ISA is dedicated to providing university level students with the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own.
  • Posse Foundation
    The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and selects students from public high schools who have extraordinary leadership ability and academic potential that might be overlooked by the traditional university selection process, and devotes the resources and support necessary to allow those students to achieve personal and academic excellence, reach graduation and effect positive changes on their college campus and in their community.

African American Students

  • Diverse: Issues in Higher Education
    Diverse: Issues in Higher Education is the only source for critical news, information, and insightful commentary on the full range of issues concerning diversity in American higher education.
  • HBCU Network
    The HBCU Network is a community that facilitates professional and social networking for the upwardly-mobile Black College graduate.
  • Hobsons CollegeView
    Collegeview provides resources for students, parents, and counselors in North America and around the world who are actively exploring higher education options and career opportunities. The web site includes an online guide highlighting HBCU.
  • National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO)
    NAFEO extends advocacy in support of historically and predominantly black colleges and universities, provides services to NAFEO members, builds the capacity of HBCUs, their executives, administrators, faculty, staff and students; and serves as an international voice and advocate for the preservation and enhancement of historically and predominantly black colleges and universities and for blacks in higher education.
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA): African American Knowledge Community
    The African American Knowledge Community of NASPA shares resources, mentoring initiatives, and online forums. The website includes a discussion board and email list serve, as well as a bibliography of publications regarding African American students.
  • University of Pittsburgh: The World is in your Hands Student Guide
    Throughout 2003-2004, interns at the Study Abroad Office created an invaluable resource for African American Students interested in Study Abroad. The World is in Your Hands Student Guide is the fruit of more than two years of intense planning and networking with past African American participants in Study Abroad. Feedback from past participants was compiled and analyzed to determine the benefits and difficulties for African American students on study abroad programs. The guide that was born of this effort is an honest glance at the experience of an African American student while abroad.
  • Historically Black Colleges and Universities
    List of Historically Black Colleges

Asian/ Pacific Islander American Students

  • Go Global! Video from University Hawai'i
    video icon Check out this University of Hawaii video for Asian/Pacific Islander American students on why you should study abroad, funding, expectations, highlights, culture shock, and the re-entry experience.
  • Asian and Asian American Organizations Resource List
    Find links to a variety of Asian American and Pacific Islander organizations categorized by state.
  • Asian/ Pacific American Network (APAN)
    APAN is dedicated to the concerns and issues of the Asian faculty, staff and students in higher education. APAN is inclusive and all people are encouraged and welcome to join the group.
  • Japanese American Citizens League (JACL)
    One of the most established organizations focused on protecting the civil rights Asian/ Pacific Islander Americans. JACL provides education resources, scholarships, fellowships, leadership development, and opportunities for activism within the Japanese American community and the Asian/ Pacific Islander American community as a whole.
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA): Asian/ Pacific Islander Knowledge Community
    The Asian/ Pacific Islander American Knowledge Community of NASPA shares resources, mentoring initiatives, and online forums. The website includes a discussion board and email list serve, as well as a bibliography of publications regarding Asian/ Pacific Islander American students.
  • Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA)
    There are over 80 chapters and affiliates across the nation who develop both leadership and community involvement in advancing the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian/ Pacific Islander Americans in the United States. Although, OCA has established strong local programs throughout the US, OCA also builds national support and works in coalition with other national groups around issues affecting Asian/ Pacific Islander Americans. Plus find information on career opportunities, scholarships, internships and events online.
  • Project PULL
    Project PULL continuously strives to be an effective catalyst for informed action, a valuable partner for individuals, educators, and community organizations, a compassionate forum for intergenerational dialogue and the sharing of ideas, and a credible vehicle for the investment of resources toward educational programs which benefit Pilipino American youth.

Latin@ and Hispanic American Students

  • Aspira
    National nonprofit organization devoted solely to the education and leadership development of Puerto Rican and other Latin@ youth. They offer youth leadership development and community service opportunities, as well as educational counseling for high school and college students. Bilingual website includes resources for students and parents.
  • Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Inc. (CHCI)
    CHCI's educational services are designed to provide Latin@ students and parents with the tools and resources they need to succeed in attaining a higher education. CHCI's website includes information for High School Students, College Students, Parents, Non-Traditional Students, and Community Organizations.
  • Cuban American National Council
    The CNC is a non-profit organization that provides human services to persons in need from all racial and ethnic groups. Special programs include the Hispanic Leadership program (HLTP) and summer internships for eligible Hispanic college students.
  • Hobsons CollegeView
    Collegeview.com reaches millions of students, parents, and counselors in North America and around the world who are actively exploring higher education options and career opportunities. The web site includes an online guide highlighting Hispanic colleges and universities.
  • Mexican American National Association (MANA) – National Latina Organization
    Designed to assist Latina students in pursuit of a higher education. MANA seeks to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy.
  • National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (NASPA): Latin@ Knowledge Community
    The Latin@ Knowledge Community of NASPA shares resources, mentoring initiatives, and online forums. The website includes a discussion board and email list serve, as well as a bibliography of publications regarding Hispanic/ Latin@ students.
  • The White House: Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans
    A bilingual web site to help parents secure a college education for their children. This web site provides information on tuition costs and other subjects.

Native American Students

  • American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC)
    AIHEC supports the work of Tribal Colleges and the national movement for tribal self-determination. Its mission statement, adopted in 1973, identifies four objectives: maintain commonly held standards of quality in American Indian education; support the development of new tribally controlled colleges; promote and assist in the development of legislation to support American Indian higher education; and encourage greater participation by American Indians in the development of higher education policy.
  • American Indian Science and Engineering Society
    The American Indian Science & Engineering Society (AISES) is a national, nonprofit organization which nurtures building of community by bridging science and technology with traditional Native values. Through its educational programs, AISES provides opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives to pursue studies in science, engineering, and technology arenas.

Disabled Students

  • National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE)
    The National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange (NCDE) promotes the inclusion of all people with disabilities in overseas educational and cultural programs. Through NCDE's information and referral service, staff provides personalized advice to people with disabilities planning to go abroad and advises program staff on how to include people with disabilities.
  • CDC Information for Travelers with Disabilites
    Ways for students with special needs to have as much access as possible while abroad.