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ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 7, 2008 Scholarships for students, others to attend International AIDS Conference by Melissa Ramirez Cooper The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is offering scholarships for seminarians, students and others ages 18-26 to attend the International AIDS Conference July 31-Aug. 9, 2008, in Mexico City. Held every two years, the conference draws more than 20,000 health workers, government representatives, people living with HIV and AIDS, and others. This year's theme is "Universal Action Now." Around the world people ages 15 to 25 make up nearly half of all new HIV infections, said Emily Davila, assistant to the director, Lutheran Office for World Community, New York. Davila said the International AIDS Conference offers "a great learning and advocacy opportunity for young people." At former conferences, young people met with world leaders to advocate for policies that address the needs of youth, she said. Young people are encouraged to apply for the scholarships, particularly those "that have a strong commitment to justice and experience in HIV and AIDS, community development, organizing, youth participation, public health and related topics," said Davila. Applicants must reside in the United States and have "a substantive connection to the ELCA," she said. Made possible by the ELCA World Hunger Program, scholarships include prearranged housing, transportation and a stipend for meals. "We encourage applicants to seek additional funds from their local congregations, universities and communities," which will help secure funds to accommodate more participants, said Davila. Scholarship applications -- available as a PDF file on the ELCA World Hunger Web site -- are due May 23.