For more than a decade, the College Board's AP Program worked alongside colleges, universities, and secondary schools to create this AP course in African American studies. The course is designed to offer high school students an evidence-based introduction to African American studies. The interdisciplinary course reaches into a variety of fields—literature, the arts and humanities, political science, geography, and science—to explore the vital contributions and experiences of African Americans.  Students will think critically about history and contemporary circumstances, evaluating issues under the guidance of a caring Christian faculty member.

Students enrolled in AP courses may choose to take the College Board's AP exam in May if the College Board offers an AP Exam for pilot school students. For AP African American studies, in addition to an exam, students will conduct a year-long topical research assignment—of their choosing—that culminates in a 3-5 page paper.