Powering Global Experiences for ALL Students is Via’s Focus Every Day, Not Just During Black History Month
Via is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion — in our workplace and in the work we do in the international education community. While DEI is top of mind for us year-round, Black History Month reminds us to purposefully reflect on our efforts and to ask what more we can do to better power global experiences for all students.
Texas A&M students studying abroad in Italy.
We also want to pause and acknowledge all of the people and organizations that are doing a great job of recognizing the past, celebrating the future and creating progress in the area of DEI. During Black History Month, we recognize and applaud:
Texas A&M University – Education Abroad for winning one of the Diversity Abroad’s 2021 Excellence in Diversity & Inclusion in International Education awards. Announced at the organization’s Global Inclusion conference in Atlanta, Georgia, the award highlights the innovative work Texas A&M is doing to advance diversity, equity and inclusion in global education and cultural exchange. Being recognized for DEI is nothing new for Texas A&M: For three years in a row, the University has received the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. The award is the only national honor recognizing U.S. and Canadian colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The Forum on Education Abroad for its commitment to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion and eliminating structural racism and inequities within the organization, the field of education abroad, and communities. During Forum, make sure to attend the DEI session conducted by Dr. Kevin Clancy, director of the Center for Global Education at the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University.
IES Abroad for funding diversity scholarships and grants to encourage and support students from a range of institutions and underrepresented populations to study abroad. IES Abroad’s awards include the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Tuition & Travel Grant and the David Porter Need-Based Diversity Scholarship.
Artwork available to bid on through Artsy to support proceeds will be donated to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Global Inclusion for being the only conference solely dedicated to advancing DEI in the field of global education and cultural exchange. Global Inclusion 2022 10th Annual Diversity Abroad Conference will be Oct. 3rd – 7th in San Francisco, California. Global Inclusion strongly encourages individuals from minority serving institutions (MSIs) and community colleges to submit session proposals. The deadline is Friday, April 22nd.
Artsy for honoring Black History Month with the Impact: Thurgood Marshall College Fund auction. The auction features curated works by Leonardo Drew, Ryan Cosbert, Wilson Imini and more. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, a non-profit aligned with advancing education initiatives for Historically Black College and University students. While most of us can only dream of purchasing art like that, we applaud their efforts and hope those who can will open their wallets to support this great cause. Bidding closes March 8th so check out the auction soon.
Let’s Connect
Via TRM recognizes Black History Month as a way to celebrate influential leaders, accomplishments and causes and to work to do our part to increase the number of underrepresented students taking part in global experiences. We strive to partner with organizations and institutions that also believe in the importance of creating a more inclusive and interconnected global society. If that’s the kind of software partner you’re looking for, please reach out — and make sure to share your DEI efforts too.
