The Black AIDS Institute aims to expand and diversify the pipeline for the future HIV workforce by Building the HIV Workforce and Strengthening Engagement in Communities of Color (B-SEC). Two Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been identified to join this effort and support a pathway to HIV as a profession for undergraduate students: Jarvis Christian University in Tyler, TX and Voorhees University in Denmark, SC.

In January 2023, the B-SEC BHIVE Integrated Curriculum was launched at Jarvis Christian University with the first semester of courses completed in May 2023. The course aims to introduce students to the fundamentals of HIV prevention, treatment, and care while exploring the effects of marginalization on Black communities throughout the HIV Continuum of Care.  The goal is for the course to establish and prepare the next generation of leaders, health care providers, researchers, educators, and public health professionals to assist in the delivery of quality HIV field service.

Select students who completed the integrated coursework will be eligible to receive mentoring support from HIV experts and members of the HIV workforce while serving as interns in HIV organizations to obtain hands-on professional experience.

The curriculum launch at Voorhees University is scheduled for Fall 2023.

In September 2022, the B-SEC BHIVE Ambassadors were activated at Voorhees University to mobilize their campus and community to help combat HIV stigma while increasing awareness of HIV-related scientific advances during campus-based activities.

All BHIVE Ambassadors represent their university and their state of as “Champions for Health Equity and Social Justice.” They also receive technical assistance and participation stipends from The Black AIDS Institute.

A BHIVE Ambassador activation is scheduled at Jarvis Christian University for Fall 2023.

If you would like more information regarding B-SEC BHIVE Ambassador, Internship or Mentor opportunities, please contact Training and Capacity Building Coordinator Erica Marshall at ericam@blackaids.org.