In 1991, a project was undertaken to suggest components for an Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) education program for community college students. The project sought to identify AIDS programs and policies in place at the 17 community colleges in Maryland; assessed community college students' knowledge about the spread and prevention of AIDS, opinions about AIDS-related issues, and at-risk behavior patterns; and suggested ways in which other AIDS education programs could be developed. College administrators were contacted by letter and telephone to gather information on existing programs and policies, and 613 students responded in class to the "What I Know about the AIDS Virus" survey. After the students completed the questionnaire, the correct answers were provided, and AIDS-related literature and spermicidal condoms were distributed. Project findings included the following: (1) 8 of the 17 colleges had stated policies about AIDS, and no community college in Maryland provided a formal AIDS education program for its students; (2) both the male and female respondents knew more about the cause of AIDS than its transmission; (3) 77% of the responding students believed themselves to be very knowledgeable about AIDS; (4) students were particularly naive about the number of people infected with the disease, the costs associated with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and AIDS, and the susceptibility of women to infection; and (5) many students considered AIDS more contagious than both measles and the common cold, and 41% of students held bacterial infection responsible for the virus. An extensive literature review is provided, along with survey instruments, titles of distributed pamphlets, and a description of the AIDS education program. (JMC)