ICA’s DIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIPS
ICA’s Diversity Scholarships are awarded to students from a diverse and/or immigrant background who demonstrate in their academic and community work active support for strong community values around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Capital Region.
Ways To Give
Your tax-deductible donation helps ICA welcome, support and provide much-needed services for immigrants and refugees as they settle into the community. There are many ways to give a gift that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of newcomers. Donate or volunteer today!
2026 Scholarships
The 2026 Diversity Scholarship guidelines will be published in April 2026.
The 2025 Diversity Scholarship Awards were awarded to four recipients from diverse immigrant backgrounds who have demonstrated in their academic and community work their active support and strong values around diversity, equity, and inclusion in Greater Victoria.
The 2025 Diversity Scholarship Recipients
Peyton Yip was adopted from Jiangxi Province, China in 2008. She is imminently proud of co-founding the BIPOC Awareness Club at Esquimalt High School to deter racism, combat discrimination, amplify minority voices, and highlight the diverse student body. As well, Peyton collaboratively planned and hosted the School District 61 Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Forum which invited minority students across School District 61 to come together to discuss what the district can do better.
Undergraduate Category: Abuk Jeremiah Deng
My name is Abuk Jeremiah Deng, and I am an undergraduate student at the University of Victoria. I came to Canada from Kenya through the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) sponsorship program after spending many years in a refugee camp. My journey has taught me resilience, hope, and the importance of education as a pathway to a brighter future. I am pursuing prerequisites for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program because I want to dedicate my life to caring for others and creating change in my community. Receiving the ICA Undergraduate Scholarship is more than financial support—it is a reminder that my story matters, and it encourages me to keep striving toward my dream of becoming a nurse.
Graduate Category: Priyanka Lopez
Dr. Chandra Paul Singh Scholarship: Vidhi Parekh
My name is Vidhi Parekh, a Class of 2025 graduate from Esquimalt High School. I am committed to being a well-rounded individual, actively volunteering in my community, and participating in athletic activities. This fall, I will begin a Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology at the University of Victoria, complemented by leadership- and business-focused electives to further develop my skills and support others. Deeply passionate about design, I enjoy creating applied projects in design, skills, and technology that strengthen problem-solving and communication. I aspire to pursue a career in medicine, enhance patient care, and inspire young women in STEM to make a meaningful and lasting impact.
Game Changer: Youth Employment Program
The Game Changer Youth Employment training Program pays youth (17-29) to learn the skills they need to find secure employment and a career path to success.
Ways To Give
Your tax-deductible donation helps ICA welcome, support and provide much-needed services for immigrants and refugees as they settle into the community. There are many ways to give a gift that has a direct, positive impact on the lives of newcomers. Donate or volunteer today!
Bystander Intervention Training
The Bystander Intervention Training Program is designed to equip individuals and organizations with practical skills and tools to be anti-racist allies and create cultures that promote dignity.