Bright HEROs seeks to enhance the continuing education success of children infected with and/or affected by HIV/AIDS through financial support. H.E.R.O. is confronted by more and more children who are maturing and reaching college age (average age in 2016 is 13.5 years). Unfortunately, they have limited resources to attend and/or maintain continuing education opportunities. Therefore, HERO uses designated funds to provide financial support in the following areas: Higher Education and Professional Training; Academic and Professional Development Support; and the Volunteer Employment Stipend.
Criteria will differ, depending on which aforementioned area the applicant is applying for. To be eligible for the Bright HEROs Educational Enrichment Program, applicants must: have HIV/AIDS or: 1) have an immediate family member infected with HIV (mother, father, brother or sister), 2) have an immediate family member that has died from HIV/AIDS-related complications and/or 3) live with an extended family member (grandmother, grandfather, aunt, uncle or cousin) that has HIV/AIDS; be a full-time high school student or undergraduate student; and, for the Higher Education and Professional Training field, plan to attend a postsecondary institute, vocational training course, or trade school OR be enrolled in a vocational training course or military organization. At this time, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and funds will be dispersed upon availability. It is encouraged that applicants submit their applications as early as possible. Once complete application is received, the Bright HEROs funding panel will review the application and notify the applicant of the award decision.
