PoWER NextGen HIV Leadership Academy

Building the next generation of HIV and public health leaders through storytelling, advocacy, and action. 

About the Program

PoWER NextGen is a paid, cohort-based training and leadership program for undergraduate students attending HBCUs in the U.S. South. The program equips students with practical public health skills and real-world experience by pairing training with hands-on coordination of campus film screening events focused on HIV awareness, health equity, and community advocacy. 

Through a multi-week virtual training series, students build skills in public health implementation, communication, evaluation, storytelling, and partnership development. Fellows then apply what they’ve learned by organizing and leading a campus-based film screening featuring clips from The Power of Emory COMPASS and A Westside Love Story, alongside interactive discussions and community partner engagement. 

PoWER NextGen centers student leadership while creating meaningful connections between campuses, community-based organizations, and local HIV advocates. 

Participating Campuses

We are recruiting undergraduates students from the following institutions:
-LeMoyne-Owen College (TN)
-Alabama State University (AL)
-Dillard University (LA)
Students must be currently enrolled at one of these institutions to be eligible.

What You’ll Gain

As a PoWER NextGen Leader, you will: 

-Receive training in public health fundamentals, HIV education, advocacy, and program coordination
-Gain hands-on experience planning and leading a real campus event
-Learn how to translate public health concepts into engaging, student-centered activities
-Build skills in communication, evaluation, and partnership development
-Connect with community organizations working in HIV prevention, care, and health equity
-Receive a stipend for your participation

This program is ideal for students interested in public health, social justice, advocacy, health communications, policy, or community-based work. 

Program Structure & Key Dates 

Orientation: Sunday, February 15 | 6:00-7:30 PM EST / 5:00-6:30 PM CST
Virtual Training Sessions: February 19 – March 14 & April 23– May 9
Format: 
-Virtual training sessions 
-Team-based project work 
-In-person campus film screening and discussion 
Cohort Size: 6–9 students total (2–3 students per participating campus) 

Campus Film Screening Experience

Each campus team will lead a dissemination event that includes: 
-Film clips from The Power of Emory COMPASS and A Westside Love Story 
-Guided discussion on HIV awareness, stigma, and health equity 
-Interactive activities for student engagement 
-Community partners tabling with HIV education materials and access to on-site or at-home HIV testing resources 
These events are designed to spark conversation, increase awareness, and connect students to local HIV resources and advocacy opportunities. 

Who Should Apply

We are looking for Black students who: 
-Are currently enrolled at LeMoyne-Owen College, Alabama State University, or Dillard University
-Between the ages 18-24
-Are interested in public health, health equity, advocacy, storytelling, or community engagement
-Want hands-on leadership and program experience
-Are curious, collaborative, and motivated to create impact on their campus 
No prior public health experience is required. 

Stipend

Selected PoWER NextGen Leaders will receive a stipend of $1,000, distributed in two phases: 
-After completion of the training component
-After successful implementation of the campus screening event 

Apply Now 

👉 Apply to be a PoWER NextGen Leader
Application Deadline: January 30, 2025
Selected students will be notified by: February 9, 2025 
Click Here to Preview Application Questions

Supported by grant funding from Gilead Sciences, Inc. Gilead Sciences, Inc. has had no input into the development or content of these materials.