Are you a young activist who wants to make a difference in your community? If so, you might be interested in applying for the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship.
This scholarship is dedicated to continuing the legacy of Pedro Zamora, a Cuban-American AIDS educator, activist, and television personality who inspired millions with his courage and compassion.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about this scholarship, including its eligibility, and application process.
About Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship
The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship was created by the National AIDS Memorial in 2009
To honor the memory and work of Pedro Zamora, who died of an AIDS-related illness in 1994 at the age of 22.
Zamora was one of the first openly gay and HIV-positive people to appear on mainstream media when he starred in the third season of MTV’s The Real World: San Francisco.
He used his platform to raise awareness and educate his peers about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, as well as to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.
He was also a speaker, writer, and mentor who touched the lives of many young people across the country.
The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship supports the academic pursuits of young activists who carry on Zamora’s torch of health and social justice activism.
The scholarship is open to current or incoming undergraduate students (ages 27 and younger) enrolled in a U.S. community college or four-year university.
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However, it is not limited to HIV/AIDS activism but also welcomes applicants who are involved in other areas of health and social justice
Such as LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, reproductive health, immigrant rights, environmental justice, drug policy, and more.
In addition, it aims to foster a diverse and inclusive community of young leaders who share Zamora’s vision of a world free of fear, silence, discrimination, stigma, and hate.
Scholarship Worth
The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship awards up to $5,000 to multiple recipients each year
Depending on the availability of funds and the quality of applications.
The scholarship amount can be used to cover tuition, fees, books, supplies, and other educational expenses.
Also, it is renewable for up to four years, as long as the recipient maintains a good academic standing and continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment to health and social justice issues.
Scholarship Coverage
The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship covers the following aspects of the recipient’s education:
- Tuition and fees: The scholarship can be applied to the cost of attending a U.S. community college or four-year university, either full-time or part-time.
- Books and supplies: The scholarship can be used to purchase textbooks, course materials, and other academic supplies required for the recipient’s program of study.
- Other educational expenses: The scholarship can also cover other expenses related to the recipient’s education, such as transportation, housing, food, health insurance, and personal expenses, as long as they are reasonable and documented.
Eligibility Requirements for Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship
To be eligible for the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship, applicants must
- Be a current or incoming undergraduate student (ages 27 and younger) enrolled in a U.S. community college or four-year university for the 2024-2025 academic year.
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale, or equivalent.
- Demonstrate leadership and involvement in health and social justice activism, either on campus, in the community, or online.
- Submit a complete online application, including a personal essay, an academic transcript, and a letter of recommendation.
How to Apply for the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship
To apply for the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship, you should
- Visit the National AIDS Memorial website and click on the “Pedro Zamora Scholarship” tab.
- Read the scholarship guidelines and FAQs carefully and make sure you meet the eligibility requirements.
- Create an account and fill out the online application form.
- You will need to provide your personal information, academic information, extracurricular activities, and financial needs.
- Write a personal essay of no more than 1,750 words, addressing the following questions:
- How has Pedro Zamora’s story and legacy inspired you to pursue health and social justice activism?
- What are the health and social justice issues that you are passionate about and why?
- How have you demonstrated leadership and involvement in these issues, either on campus, in the community, or online?
- How will this scholarship help you achieve your academic and career goals?
- Upload your most recent academic transcript, either official or unofficial, showing your grades and courses taken.
- Request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, counselor, mentor, or supervisor who can attest to your academic performance and leadership potential. The letter should be sent directly to the National AIDS Memorial by the recommender via email or mail.
- Review your application and submit it before the deadline. You will receive a confirmation email once your application is received.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship is July 15, 2024.
The scholarship recipients will be notified by September 15, 2024, and will be invited to attend a virtual award ceremony in October 2024.
Conclusion
The Pedro Zamora Young Leaders Scholarship is a great opportunity for young activists who want to follow in the footsteps of Pedro Zamora and make a positive impact in their communities.
The scholarship provides financial support and recognition to students who are committed to health and social justice issues and who aspire to become the next generation of leaders.
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, don’t hesitate to visit the National AIDS Memorial website and start your application today.
You could be one of the lucky winners who will receive up to $5,000 to pursue your academic dreams and continue Pedro Zamora’s legacy.
FAQs
Do I have to be involved in AIDS activism to apply for this scholarship?
No, you don’t have to be involved in AIDS activism specifically.
The scholarship welcomes applicants who are engaged in any health and social justice issue that aligns with Pedro Zamora’s vision and values.
This could include, but is not limited to, LGBTQ+ equality, racial justice, reproductive health, immigrant rights, environmental justice, drug policy, and more.
Do I have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply for this scholarship?
No, you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to apply for this scholarship.
The scholarship is open to any student who is enrolled in a U.S. community college or four-year university, regardless of their immigration status.
Can I apply for this scholarship more than once or renew it for subsequent years?
Yes, you can apply for this scholarship more than once or renew it for subsequent years, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a new application each year.
The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, as long as the recipient maintains a good academic standing and continues to demonstrate leadership and commitment to health and social justice issues.
