Kids Who Care

Photo: Oakwood Yearbook, 1995-1996

WHO:

Kids Who Care brings middle and high school students together to support AIDS Walk Los Angeles and learn about HIV, sexual health, and community action.

Founded in 1991 by an Oakwood School student, the program now includes students from public and private schools across Los Angeles County. Participants explore how HIV disproportionately affects young people in communities of color and LGBTQ+ communities while building awareness and raising funds for APLA Health.

WHY:

Students form AIDS Walk teams, raise funds for APLA Health, and build awareness about HIV, sexual health, and LGBTQ+ healthcare.

The program also gives student leaders opportunities to learn about public health and community organizing while connecting with peers from other schools.

Participants gain leadership experience and may qualify for community-service hours, depending on their school’s requirements. Schools may also request free educational resources and guest speakers from APLA Health.

WHEN/WHERE:

AIDS Walk Los Angeles is Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at West Hollywood Park.

Kids Who Care operates year-round. Students may collaborate with APLA Health staff and other schools on educational activities such as guest speakers, sexual health presentations, discussions about HIV history, and Pride events.

Each school can shape the program around its students and campus community. APLA Health staff work with students and faculty advisors to provide educational activities during the school year and prepare teams to participate in AIDS Walk Los Angeles.

HOW:

Registration and educational resources are free. There is no fundraising minimum, but each school is encouraged to set a team goal in support of APLA Health’s services. Staff can provide tools and guidance to help teams get started.

KIDS WHO CARE is APLA Health’s sole program designed exclusively for youth. To receive more information or start a KIDS WHO CARE chapter at your school, parent/alumni group, or student club, please email Rick Mason at rmason@aplahealth.org.