Diverse International Women of Color

Diverse International Women of Color Diverse International Women of Color, Inc is committed to promoting and providing financial support.

Exciting News from DIWC! We are proud to share that for our 7th Summer cycle, DIWC’s Summer 2026 Scholarship, we receive...
04/13/2026

Exciting News from DIWC! We are proud to share that for our 7th Summer cycle, DIWC’s Summer 2026 Scholarship, we received 309 applications, the highest number we’ve ever received for a summer cycle! This incredible milestone reflects the growing demand for global learning opportunities among students eager to study abroad.

This summer, eight students will each receive a $750 scholarship and four students will each receive a $500 scholarship to support their international study experiences.

We extend our sincere gratitude to The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, represented by Mr. William Gertz, Chairman of AIFS, for their continued partnership and unwavering support of our mission to expand opportunities for women of color to study abroad.

Thank you to our colleges, families, supporters, community partners who helped spread the word and to all 309 applicants who trusted us with their inspiring stories.

We look forward to announcing our twelve scholars on June 1, 2026! 🎉✈️

In honor of Women’s History Month, Alhia Harris was interviewed by Alyssa Nota, President and CEO of the University Stud...
03/25/2026

In honor of Women’s History Month, Alhia Harris was interviewed by Alyssa Nota, President and CEO of the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC), who invited her to reflect on her path as the founder of Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. (DIWC), the importance of representation in international education, and the meaningful work she continues to lead to uplift women of color through global opportunities.

Alhia’s passion for this work began with her own life-changing study abroad experience in Hong Kong, which opened her eyes to new cultures, perspectives, and lifelong connections that she still cherishes today. That experience helped shape her confidence and global mindset, and it inspired her to create DIWC, a scholarship fund designed to remove financial barriers and encourage women of color to explore the world, embrace new cultures, and expand their horizons.

Over the years, DIWC has grown into something truly meaningful, supporting scholars who once saw study abroad as just a dream but are now traveling the world and gaining experiences that will impact their futures forever. Watching scholars step into new countries and return home with confidence and new perspectives continues to reinforce why this mission matters so much.

As a proud partner of DIWC, USAC continues to support the organization’s mission by matching the funding of all DIWC scholarship awards for USAC students. Their partnership has allowed DIWC to extend its reach and provide even more opportunities for deserving scholars to pursue their dreams of studying abroad.

Being featured for Women’s History Month is a meaningful honor and a reminder of the power of representation and paying it forward. Alhia is incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported this journey and helped make life-changing opportunities possible for women of color around the world.

Read the article here: https://blog.usac.edu/from-study-abroad-to-founding-an-international-education-fund/

Join the DIWC Scholarship Application Review Committee!The Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. (DIWC) is seeking ...
03/19/2026

Join the DIWC Scholarship Application Review Committee!

The Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. (DIWC) is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our Application Review Committee! Our mission is to inspire, encourage, and promote opportunities for women of color to travel abroad, experience different cultures, and broaden their horizons beyond the United States. Through our scholarship program, we help make international education more accessible, empowering women of color to grow personally and professionally.

Due to a record number of applications for last year cycles, we urgently need additional volunteers to assist with the review process for the 2026/2027 cycles.

Application Review Committee Member

Responsibilities:
Review and evaluate scholarship applications based on established criteria.

Ensure a fair and unbiased assessment of all applicants.

Provide constructive feedback to support the selection process.

Requirements:
A strong commitment to DIWC’s mission.

Attention to detail and the ability to maintain confidentiality.

Strong communication and critical thinking skills.

Why Volunteer?
Make an impact by helping deserving students achieve their dreams of studying abroad.

Gain experience in application review and selection processes.

Network with like-minded individuals who are passionate about empowering women of color.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer opportunity.

How to Apply:
If you’re interested in supporting our mission and joining the committee, please submit a letter of interest and your resume to Alexis Davis, Director of Application Review, at [email protected].

We appreciate your time and dedication, your support can make a difference!

Happy Women’s History Month!! In a month dedicated to honoring the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women, Divers...
03/01/2026

Happy Women’s History Month!! In a month dedicated to honoring the strength, resilience, and brilliance of women, Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. is proud and excited to announce that applications for our DIWC Summer 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship are officially OPEN!

For Summer 2026, we will award:
Eight (8) $750 scholarships
Four (4) $500 scholarships

This opportunity is designed for women of color who have been accepted into an in-person summer study abroad program and are in need of financial assistance to turn their global dreams into reality.

Studying abroad is more than a passport stamp. It is a transformative journey that stretches you beyond your comfort zone and challenges the way you see the world while deepening the way you see yourself. It is growth and courage in action, cultural exchange that expands your perspective, and the confidence to walk into rooms across the world knowing you belong there. At DIWC, we are deeply committed to removing financial barriers so more women of color can experience the life-changing power of international education.

This application cycle is proudly sponsored by the The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation, represented by William Gertz, Chairman of American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS), whose continued commitment to global education helps make these scholarships possible and supports students pursuing international learning experiences. We are deeply thankful for your partnership and for believing in the mission and impact of DIWC.

Applications Open: March 1, 2026
Deadline: April 12, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
Awards Announced: June 1, 2026
Awards Distributed: June 8, 2026

If you are ready to expand your horizons, embrace new cultures, and boldly step into your global leadership journey, this is your moment.

Apply at DIWCFund.org and be sure to review all application details carefully.

The world is waiting and you absolutely belong in it!!

Celebrating Our Partnership with USAC & DIWC Spring 2026 Scholar Alexandria Redd DIWC is proud to congratulate Alexandri...
02/10/2026

Celebrating Our Partnership with USAC & DIWC Spring 2026 Scholar Alexandria Redd

DIWC is proud to congratulate Alexandria Redd, a student at the College of Charleston, on being awarded a Diverse International Women of Color Scholarship for her Spring 2026 semester abroad in Santiago, Chile through the University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)!

Alexandria’s achievement is not only a reflection of her dedication and academic goals, but also a reminder of why DIWC continues to do this work. We believe that women of color deserve access to global opportunities that expand their worldview, strengthen their confidence, and open doors personally, professionally, and academically.

We are also incredibly grateful to USAC for recognizing Alexandria’s accomplishment and for continuing to support and uplift students from underrepresented backgrounds. Our partnership with USAC is meaningful because it aligns with DIWC’s mission to make study abroad more accessible and achievable for women of color who may not otherwise have the financial resources or support to pursue international education.

Together, DIWC and USAC are working to break down barriers and ensure that more students are able to experience the life-changing impact of studying abroad. This partnership is about more than scholarships, it’s about creating pathways, building representation, and empowering the next generation of global leaders.

Congratulations again to Alexandria! DIWC is honored to be a part of your journey, and we can’t wait to see you thrive in Santiago. Your future is bright, and this is only the beginning!

🌎

DIWC 2026/2027 Scholarship Application Dates Are Here!Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. is excited to announce ...
02/09/2026

DIWC 2026/2027 Scholarship Application Dates Are Here!

Diverse International Women of Color, Inc. is excited to announce our upcoming study abroad scholarship application cycles for Summer 2026, Fall 2026, and Spring 2027. Since awarding our first scholarships in 2019, DIWC has been proud to support and empower women of color by helping make studying abroad more accessible and affordable. What began as a small initiative has grown into a meaningful mission that continues to uplift and invest in the academic, personal, and global experiences of future leaders. Our goal is to give women of color the opportunity to explore the world, experience new cultures firsthand, and gain the confidence and perspective that comes from international education.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr. William Gertz at the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), Inc. and The Cyril Taylor Charitable Foundation for awarding DIWC a generous $15,000 grant. Their support and belief in our mission allow us to continue providing scholarships for these upcoming cycles. Thanks to this grant, we are also excited to announce that we will be able to increase some scholarship award amounts to $750, helping to ease the financial burden for our scholars and make international experiences even more attainable.

Application Dates & Deadlines

Summer 2026: March 1 – April 12, 2026
Deadline: April 12, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Awards Announced: June 1, 2026
Awards Distributed: June 8, 2026

Fall 2026: June 8 – July 20, 2026
Deadline: July 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EDT
Awards Announced: August 24, 2026
Awards Distributed: August 31, 2026

Spring 2027: October 5 – November 16, 2026
Deadline: November 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. EST
Awards Announced: January 4, 2027
Awards Distributed: January 11, 2027

All applications must be submitted by the listed time. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all required materials have been successfully submitted. To apply, please visit DIWCFund.org once the application period opens. Good luck! 🌎

Lesly Hernandez was born in Illinois and spent most of her childhood in a small rural town in Mexico. Growing up as the ...
01/05/2026

Lesly Hernandez was born in Illinois and spent most of her childhood in a small rural town in Mexico. Growing up as the eldest in a single-parent household, she developed a strong appreciation for education and a deep commitment to creating a better future for her community.

As a student at Macalester College, Lesly is double majoring in Political Science and Sociology, with minors in Latin American Studies and Environmental Studies. At Macalester, she serves on the board of the First-Generation Low-Income Student Union, is an Ethics Bowl competitor, and is a Bonner scholar. She plans to pursue a career in academia/education leadership. Upon completing her bachelor’s degree, Lesly hopes to attend graduate school and earn a PhD.

Outside the classroom, she has worked in two congressional offices with Illinois Congresswomen. She has experience with three political campaigns, local and federal. Throughout most of her life, she has tutored. During her early career, she worked with FORA (Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America) and is now at CLUES (Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio). Just recently, became a teacher assistant for a Saint Paul public school. Due to her lived experience, she is very passionate about the intersection between education and migration.

This spring, from January to May, Lesly will be studying abroad in Madrid, Spain, and volunteering at a local school through the IES Abroad: Business, Economics, and Social Science program. Through this experience, she hopes to understand how education can become more equitable for all. She is excited to immerse herself in a different culture and explore the Spanish dialect as a native speaker. Lesly is so thankful that DIWC can support her goals through this new journey.

Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of The Diverse International Women of Color Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled to support you on your journey. We hope that your time abroad will be filled with incredible experiences, new discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing you an unforgettable and enriching adventure!

My name is Nicolette Bennett, and I am a junior at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in...
01/05/2026

My name is Nicolette Bennett, and I am a junior at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a double minor in Writing and Intergroup Relations Education. I have received University Honors each year and was awarded the William J. Branstron Freshman Prize, which recognizes freshmen who rank in the top 5% of their class.

On campus, I am a columnist for my school newspaper, The Michigan Daily, serve as Wellness Chair for the Black Undergraduate Psychological Association, and am a member of the Red Cross Club. I work as a Program Assistant and Common Ground Workshop Facilitator with the Program on Intergroup Relations and as a Student Ambassador for the Sweetland Center for Writing, and have been nominated twice for Student Employee of the Year.

I will be leaving the country for the first time to study abroad at Queen Mary Univers London in London, England, from January to June. I am grateful for this scholars and excited to explore new areas, build meaningful connections, and grow both academically and personally!

Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of The Diverse International Women of Color Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled to support you on your journey. We hope that your time abroad will be filled with incredible experiences, new discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing you an unforgettable and enriching adventure!

My name is Gissele Flores and I am a Junior at the University of Arizona studying Marketing in the Eller College of Mana...
01/05/2026

My name is Gissele Flores and I am a Junior at the University of Arizona studying Marketing in the Eller College of Management I am involved in Greek life, Sports Marketing Association and Rally Cats. My strengths are in time management, marketing, teamwork, food industry and leadership. I hope to utilize my skills and past experiences in my future career! This Spring semester, I will be studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain.

Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of The Diverse International Women of Color Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled to support you on your journey. We hope that your time abroad will be filled with incredible experiences, new discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing you an unforgettable and enriching adventure!

Originally from Jamaica, Anika Cousins immigrated to the United States at the age of 7. Now a junior at Vassar College, ...
01/05/2026

Originally from Jamaica, Anika Cousins immigrated to the United States at the age of 7. Now a junior at Vassar College, she is majoring in Education with a Math correlate. This spring, she will participate in Vassar’s Irish Teaching Internship Program, studying abroad in Clifden, Ireland. There, Anika plans to gain hands-on experience in elementary-age classrooms to strengthen her classroom management and teaching skills. She will also research Irish teaching philosophies to further compare international education systems and inform her future teaching practices. She is grateful to the DWIC Fund for its support in this endeavor!

Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of The Diverse International Women of Color Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled to support you on your journey. We hope that your time abroad will be filled with incredible experiences, new discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing you an unforgettable and enriching adventure!

Hi! My name is Aji, and I am a sophomore international student from Nairobi, Kenya, currently studying at Augustana Coll...
01/05/2026

Hi! My name is Aji, and I am a sophomore international student from Nairobi, Kenya, currently studying at Augustana College in Illinois. This coming semester, I will be studying abroad in Glasgow. Education has always been important to me, not only for what I learn, but for the community it creates. As an engineering major, I value learning alongside people who are curious, supportive, and willing to work together—having that kind of community makes even the toughest problem sets more enjoyable.

I care deeply about creating academic spaces where everyone feels welcome and supported, which is why I work as an on-campus peer tutor. I believe learning is a shared journey, and I’ve found some of my most meaningful connections through collaboration and mutual support. Outside of class, I enjoy creative writing and running whenever I get the chance, and I am especially excited to experience Scotland’s landscapes on long runs while abroad.

I’m deeply grateful to the DIWC team for believing in me and I’m excited to see where this new adventure takes me!

Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of The Diverse International Women of Color Spring 2026 Study Abroad Scholarship! This is a remarkable achievement, and we are thrilled to support you on your journey. We hope that your time abroad will be filled with incredible experiences, new discoveries, and meaningful connections. Wishing you an unforgettable and enriching adventure!

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