South Carolina: Scholarship Aids HIV-Positive Students

Alfonso James was a student at Benedict College and a social work intern at the S.C. HIV/AIDS Council in 2007 when he came up with an idea to help HIV-positive students. He organized a car, truck, and bike show that raised $500 for scholarships. It also gave SCHAC the chance to provide HIV testing and prevention information to the age group, 20- to 30-year-olds, with the state's highest rates of HIV.

"It was an innovative idea coming from a social work intern that really demonstrates how young minds can be of the advantage to many," said Bambi Gaddist, executive director of SCHAC.

"I'm glad that I had a small part to do with the scholarship," James said. "But the true heroes are the individuals who are willing to step forward to say, 'I am HIV-positive, and I am in school, and I do need some help.'"

Scholarship winners are not required to reveal their HIV status or accept the award publicly.

James has returned to his hometown of Sebring, Fla., where he is seeking employment while caring for his grandmother. He hopes to do more philanthropic work in the future.

"We want to see it grow," said Mahogany Graham, the council case manager who coordinates the scholarship. "In these times, it will be very, very helpful, especially for someone who is struggling with an illness and trying to get an education." SCHAC is now looking for ways to keep the program going and to increase the award amount.

Back to other news for May 2008