Since 1995, LESHRC's Peer Program has trained over 200 participants for employment or volunteer work in the community. Almost all of our graduates are people of color, and about 80 percent are HIV positive. This program prepares them for work opportunities they might not have had otherwise. As a direct result of the program, many graduates are now employed full time in various social service organizations, including LESHRC.

Three Peer Program cycles are held every year, and each cycle includes 11 participants who undergo training. Due to the high demand for training positions, the Peer Program has a very competitive admissions policy.

This comprehensive program educates participants on how to conduct outreach and community organizing as well as how to educate their peers about prevention and treatment of HIV and hepatitis. Application of the principles of harm reduction is also covered in depth. We provide meals and stipends for all participants to support their educational commitment as much as possible.

Following graduation, the top three students in each cycle are offered three-month internships at LESHRC. Interns are chosen on a competitive basis, with personal essays serving as a primary selection criterion. All graduates are offered job search assistance and follow-up.