Improving the quality of life for children living with and affected by HIV/AIDS through enriching programs, unforgettable experiences, and connections with the community.

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

Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors and undergraduates who are scheduled to enroll/are enrolled in a postsecondary or vocational institution. Award criteria include, but are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishment, References, Personal Essay and Financial Need. The program pays the scholarship directly to the recipient's post-secondary or vocational school (i.e. college/university, cosmetology school, automotive school, nursing assistant program, technical school, etc.).

Academic and Professional Development Support

Funds are awarded to acquire specialized training to enhance junior and senior high school students' academic standing, test scores, professional development, or artistic development (i.e. private tutor, SAT prep course, art classes, workshops, training course [less than 6 weeks], etc.). Award criteria include, but are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishment, References, Personal Essay and Financial Need. Payments are made directly to their professional or academic enrichment institutes.

Volunteer Employment Stipend

Stipends are paid to high school or college students for performing volunteer civic service (i.e., peer tutor, camp counselor, etc.). Award criteria include, but are not limited to the following: Academic Accomplishment, References (at least one must be from a supervisor), Personal Essay and Financial Need.