The application deadline for this year's cohort of ECHO (Engaging Communities around HIV Organizing) is approaching!
ECHO is an organizing program through Advocates for Youth for US-based young people living with HIV. ECHO members organize around issues including reproductive justice, LGBTQ+ health and rights, HIV/AIDS, and affirming sex education.
The application deadline is May 14, 2026.
Accepted applicants will receive a fully funded scholarship to attend our Youth Activist Institute in Washington, DC, from September 3-7, 2026. Throughout the program year (September 2026 – May 2027), participants receive training, coaching, and organizing support to strengthen their advocacy and mobilization skills. Participants also receive two $600 stipends during the program year ($1,200 total).
If you know young people ages 14–24 who may be interested, please share this application with them.
ECHO supports young people living with HIV in becoming leaders in the movement to end HIV stigma and criminalization. Centering youth of color — especially Black and brown, trans, and queer youth — ECHO members use storytelling, social media, and peer education to highlight the connections between HIV, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Members also contribute to MyStoryOutLoud, a campaign that uplifts real stories from LGBTQ+ youth of color.
