The University of Oregon is one of 101 colleges and universities nationwide to receive this year’s Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for institutions that commit to meeting the needs of a diverse faculty, staff and student body.

Given by Insight Into Diversity magazine, the award recognizes schools that work to advance equity, diversity and inclusion across their campuses. Even with the pandemic still affecting life across the nation, this year saw the largest number of award recipients ever.

The magazine highlighted the UO’s Leadership Enrichment Internship Program, which provides paid internships for undergraduates with diverse academic interests who are underrepresented in their intended career fields. Participants gain experience in a professional workplace, receive mentorship and supervision from industry professionals, engage in leadership development, build community, and develop short- and long-term career goals.

This is the second time the UO has received the award.