Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

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Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

VACorps DEI Statement

At VACorps, we believe that diversity is not only a strength, but essential to creating a transformative and globally conscious program. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive, equitable, and welcoming environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and a true sense of belonging.

We recognize that our program is enriched by the varied perspectives and experiences of our participants and staff. This includes, but is not limited to, differences in race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, religion, language, age, and ability.

While we acknowledge that our participants may not fully reflect the global diversity we aspire to — due in part to the financial realities of international travel — we are deeply committed to fostering meaningful intercultural learning. We are proudly based in Observatory, Cape Town — a neighborhood that we believe is one of the most diverse and inclusive communities in the world. Here, people of every race, background, belief system, and identity live side by side, and no identity feels out of place. Students intern with organizations serving a wide range of South African communities, and are supported by a locally diverse team.

For many participants, this is their first opportunity to engage deeply with such a wide spectrum of lived experiences — and it shapes their growth in profound and lasting ways. VACorps actively works to foster a culture of respect and mutual understanding, and strives to remove barriers to participation wherever possible.

Current DEI Initiatives

We are proud to already offer the following support toward equity and inclusion:

  • Discounted Program Fees for all participants from African Union countries (USD 1000 discount)

  • Ad Hoc Program Tuition Scholarships awarded to South African students

  • Ad Hoc Needs-Based Scholarships, with particular consideration for students from countries with weaker currencies or economic instability

  • A culturally diverse local team based in Cape Town

  • Program placements that expose participants to a wide range of life experiences

  • A program base in Observatory, Cape Town — a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood where people of all backgrounds live side by side. This environment helps students feel included and offers a daily lived experience of diversity and openness

DEI Focus Areas for Improvement (2025–2026)

 

Programming & Belonging

Goal: Introduce a short, values-based DEI orientation session at the start of each program to promote respect, cultural humility, and open-minded engagement among participants.
Timeline: Pilot in September 2025, with full rollout across all intakes by early 2026.

Needs-Based Scholarships for International Students

Goal: Improve transparency by publishing clear eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and decision timelines for our needs-based scholarships on the VACorps website.
Timeline: Website update to be completed by July 2025.

Representation in Marketing

Goal: Ensure that our website and social media reflect the diversity of our program context — including our staff, placements, and the communities in which students live and learn.
Timeline: Complete a content review and refresh all visuals and testimonials by December 2025.

South African Scholarship Clarity

Goal: Publish clear selection criteria and application process for our annual South African student scholarship. Outline what the scholarship includes and the expectations and responsibilities of the awarded student during their participation.
Timeline: Webpage and documentation to be finalized by August 2025.

Inclusive & Locally Representative Hiring

Goal: Continue to prioritize local hires who bring diverse perspectives and lived experiences to the team, particularly those that reflect the communities we work within and serve. While VACorps is already fortunate to have a culturally diverse staff, we are committed to sustaining this representation and ensuring our team continues to reflect the values of inclusion and local connection.
Timeline: Ongoing.