Deadline: 01-Jul-2026

The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship supports young activists and non-profit changemakers in the U.S., awarding $5,000 to 25 students this year. It recognizes leadership in HIV/AIDS advocacy, public health, and broader social justice initiatives, including racial equity, LGBTQ+ rights, environmental justice, and more. Applicants must be undergraduate students demonstrating community impact, leadership, and commitment to progressive change.

Scholarship Overview

The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship, offered by the National AIDS Memorial, is designed to support young leaders who carry forward Pedro Zamora’s legacy of activism in health and social justice.

Key areas of focus include:

• HIV/AIDS advocacy: Research, prevention, treatment, and access

• Public health and health justice: Peer education, community resource programs, reproductive health

• Social justice initiatives: Racial equity, immigrant rights, LGBTQ+ equality, gun violence reduction

• Environmental and economic justice: Housing, homelessness, drug policy reform, employment

• Innovation for justice: Technology and initiatives that advance community impact

Award Details

• Scholarship amount: $5,000 per recipient

• Number of awards: 25 scholarships in 2026

• Eligibility:

  • Current high school seniors, first-year, sophomore, or junior undergraduate students

  • Age 27 years or younger

  • Enrolled in a U.S. community college or four-year university

  • Residency or study in the United States

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Alignment of academic, extracurricular, or career pursuits with scholarship goals

• Active commitment to HIV/AIDS or broader community justice work

• Leadership and engagement in public service initiatives

• Dedication to promoting equity and inclusion across communities

The program prioritizes outreach to HBCUs, HSIs, and LGBTQ+ student communities to ensure diverse representation and equitable access.

Additional Opportunities

Selected scholars may participate in the AIDS Memorial Quilt Campus Display Program, which provides:

• A block of the AIDS Memorial Quilt (6 panels) for campus display

• Opportunities to raise awareness about the history of HIV/AIDS and the AIDS movement

• Strengthened connections with other National AIDS Memorial initiatives

How to Apply

1. Submit all required documents and answer the scholarship questions fully

2. Demonstrate authentic personal storytelling; originality is critical in essays

3. Highlight community activism, leadership, and tangible impact in your application

4. Applicants may leverage AI tools for research but must ensure essays reflect their own voice

Selection Process

• Applications are reviewed by a panel of judges

• Judges confirm eligibility, completeness, and alignment with scholarship objectives

• Evaluation criteria emphasize authenticity, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to social and health justice

FAQs

1. Who is eligible for the scholarship?
High school seniors and undergraduate students up to 27 years old enrolled in a U.S. college or university.

2. How much funding is awarded?
$5,000 per recipient, with 25 scholarships available in 2026.

3. What areas of activism are supported?
HIV/AIDS advocacy, public health, racial justice, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental justice, economic justice, and technology-driven community initiatives.

4. Can applicants use AI tools in essays?
Yes, but the essays must reflect the applicant’s authentic voice and personal experience.

5. Is participation in the Quilt Campus Display Program mandatory?
No, it is optional but recommended for deeper engagement and public awareness.

6. How are applications evaluated?
Based on alignment with scholarship goals, leadership, community impact, and the authenticity of the essay.

Conclusion

The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship empowers young activists and changemakers to advance social and health justice in their communities. With financial support, optional engagement opportunities, and recognition of their leadership, scholars can continue Pedro Zamora’s legacy while driving tangible impact across multiple justice and health sectors.

For more information, visit National AIDS Memorial.