Mercy Corps Launches Partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities

New partnership creates diverse talent pipeline

PORTLAND, OR — The global organization Mercy Corps is launching a partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to create internship opportunities in the international development and humanitarian sector. The pilot program — set to launch this fall — will match U.S.-based internship opportunities with HBCUs and include a competitive recruitment process. Over the past year, Mercy Corps worked closely with ten HBCUs to co-create this program which is one piece of the organization’s broader diversity strategy.

“Our partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities will give Black students and other students of color greater opportunities to explore careers in international development,” says Beth deHamel, Mercy Corps’ Interim Chief Executive Officer. “This new talent pipeline is part of our wider efforts to increase diversity through intentional recruitment, hiring and promotion practices across all levels of the organization.”

"As part of Howard's mission, we work to prepare our students to be global leaders,” says Tonija Navas, Director of the Ralph J Bunche International Affairs Center at Howard University. “This partnership with Mercy Corps signals an exciting opportunity for our students to receive real-world experience with a leading global organization. We look forward to the evolution of this unique, beneficial partnership."

HBCUs have played a vital role in creating educational opportunities for people of African descent since the late 1800s, and today, they represent some of the most diverse institutions in the country. Over the years, they have increased enrollment of students from different racial and ethnic backgrounds as well as low-income communities, providing a highly skilled, diverse talent pool. However, barriers including exposure to job opportunities, resources and access often exclude these students from opportunities. 

“These internships are paid, as are all our internships. This is a key factor in fostering a more inclusive environment,” says deHamel. “We are committed to building a more diverse team and we know that starts with us — in the places we recruit, in the people we hire and promote, and in the partnerships we form.”