Who is eligible to apply for the Institute?
Eligibility criteria may change each year. The following are the eligibility criteria for participation in the 2008 CDC/ASPH Institute for HIV Prevention Leadership.

This program is specifically designed for program managers. HIV prevention program managers are individuals working in eligible community-based organizations (CBOs) who are primarily responsible for overseeing the development, implementation, and evaluation of HIV prevention programs.

You are eligible to apply, if you have a strong interest in public health prevention and strategic management, and meet all of the following criteria.

1. Function as an HIV prevention program manager working in a CBO, which receives direct financial support from CDC under Program Announcements 03003, 04019, 05051, 06608, or 06618.
      AND/OR
   Function as an HIV prevention program manager working in a CBO that is funded by a state, city, or local health department via a CDC cooperative agreement. If a CBO has more than one funding source that makes it eligible to apply, only one applicant from any CBO will be accepted in a given year.
    
2. Have some college/university experience.
    
3. Have three years or more of paid work experience in HIV prevention.
    
4. Your current CBO must have been in existence for at least one full year as of October 1, 2007.
    
5. Your CBO must serve minority and/or under-served populations.
    
6. Provide evidence of supportfor your participation from your organization's Executive Director, President, or Board of Directors. A "Letter of Support" form is included in the application packet.
   
   If your CBO is funded via a state, city, or local health department, or foundation, and not funded directly by CDC.
    
7. Your CBO must be minority-based. To be considered as a minority-community based (CBO) your organization must:
   • Serve minority populations as defined by the program announcement or contract under which the agency was funded.
   • Have provided HIV prevention services in each of the last three years to racial/ethnic minority high-risk populations.
      
8. Your CBO must have a documented history of stable funding, (i.e. funding from a state, city, or local health department or a foundation).
    
9. Submit the Supplemental Application Form (provided in the application packet) signed by an authorized official from your funding source documenting that your CBO meets criteria 7-8 above.

What Is expected of participants?
The Institute is a rewarding experience, which requires dedication and commitment to maximize learning potential. The Institute schedule is intense, and days can be very long. The Institute is not a conference. Participants cannot pick and choose which sessions to attend.

Attendance at all sessions is required. Assignments must be completed during the time between Institute on-site weeks and require a substantial time commitment. However, they are designed to benefit your CBO. Past participants have found that the knowledge and skills gained from the Institute were helpful in day-to-day activities at their CBOs and assisted them in more effectively serving their populations.

When and where does the Institute take place?
The Institute is a nine-month professional development and capacity-building program. Participants are required to travel to Atlanta, Georgia four times during this period for one week each of the on-site training sessions.

What does it cost to participate in the Institute?
Costs for participant travel, lodging, and meals during the on-site weeks are arranged and paid for by the Institute.