Saúl García
Saúl covers news for USC’s many civic engagement and educational partnership programs. Reach him at saulgarc@usc.edu
Stories by Saúl García:
USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative comes back to campus in style
The university’s signature college prep program celebrates its graduates in person for the first time since 2019.
Family’s shared determination creates a path to USC
Ricky Ramiro Jr. — a new graduate of USC’s signature college prep program, the Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative — says his parents’ hard work and sacrifices helped him become a Trojan.
How one Trojan paid it forward all along the path to her USC degree
COMMENCEMENT 2022: Alyssa Young found support from USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative and the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund. She, in turn, helped others find their way.
Film festival showcasing Black artists returns to campus
The Films Reflecting Ourselves: FRO Fest, showcasing the work of Black creatives, makes a triumphant comeback.
USC celebrates Black History Month with full schedule of events
The calendar features an array of virtual, hybrid and in-person events from students, faculty, staff and alumni groups.
University Park Slow Jams collaboration raises awareness of local traffic dangers
USC’s Kid Watch joins Public Matters to improve pedestrian safety. With Giving Tuesday upon us, learn about one of the many ways the university’s Good Neighbors Campaign helps the community.
Good Neighbors Campaign grantee returns home to fight diabetes in Lincoln Heights neighborhood
Donations from university faculty and staff help Cristina Carlos and New Familia fill the void in prenatal and post-partum care for women, particularly those in traditionally underserved communities.
To ensure a first-rate student experience, USC ramps up hiring efforts
The university is holding hiring events in an effort to meet the demands of reopening campus and fill more than 200 Care Crew, culinary and hospitality support positions.
Trojan Shelter pivots to keep its doors open for students facing housing insecurity
When the pandemic disrupted in-person services, the student-run organization — funded in part by the USC Good Neighbors Campaign — had to turn to plan B and even plan C to stay operational.
L.A. restaurateur turns misfortune into growth with a strategy boost from USC partners
Thanks to the Bridges to Business program, Greg Dulan’s restaurants are not just surviving in a COVID-altered world; they’re thriving.
First-year Trojan Abraham Flores finds himself in a familiar place
USC’s Annenberg Youth Academy for Media and Civic Engagement ignited Flores’ love of storytelling — and brought him to the University Park Campus. Now he’s here as a USC student.
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative graduates return to campus
Close to 60 grads from the initiative’s Class of 2021 are going from Saturday Academy attendees to full-time Trojans.
Annenberg Youth Academy student begins her USC journey
The USC Annenberg program for media-savvy high school students kept Kymia Freeman engaged during the pandemic and helped fulfill her dream of becoming a full-fledged Trojan.
In-person learning returns as USC’s School for Early Childhood Education launches summer program
Kids and teachers reunite with smaller classes that will allow faculty and staff to focus on safety protocols in advance of a full fall return.
A seven-year journey ends for the USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s most accomplished class
Tracy Nguyen, who is headed to Johns Hopkins University, is one of the 83 graduating high school seniors who will be attending college this fall — a perfect 100% of the class.
Neighborhood Academic Initiative graduation marks the end of Cáceres family journey
Emmely Cáceres will become the last of four daughters to graduate from USC’s premier college prep program, and she credits her sisters and parents with putting her on the path to success.
USC TRiO students celebrate virtual graduation
The event honored the achievements of 104 Upward Bound and Upward Bound Math-Science graduates, seven of whom will be attending USC.
Inspired by her mother’s love, this young poet prepares for life as a Trojan
Shandela Contreras would not have graduated from USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative without her mom’s hard work and sacrifice, virtues she’ll carry with her as a USC student.
Local entrepreneur ready to revitalize South L.A. food deserts, with USC help
Thanks in part to guidance from USC’s Bridges to Business Success Program, Javonne Sanders believes her company, Toss It Up Salad, is primed to provide the community with much-needed healthy options.
Celebrating Black history: Trojans create art inspired by social justice
More than 100 participants of all artistic skill levels attended “Black History in the Making” and enjoyed an evening of communal expression.
Mobile dental clinic keeps kids smiling through the pandemic
The clinic — operated by the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and serving thousands annually — won’t let COVID-19 cut down on care for Angelenos in need.
To make online learning easier, USC’s college prep program gets tech-savvy
The Neighborhood Academic Initiative realized early in the pandemic that innovative learning tools would be needed to educate its scholars, leading a new team of “tech innovators” to make lightboards a top priority.
President’s Leadership Circle honored for giving back to the community
The circle — USC faculty and staff members who pledged at least 1% of their salaries to the university’s Good Neighbors Campaign — has helped nonprofits stay up and running during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Through photojournalism, young women document injustices and reasons for hope in L.A.
Partly funded by a grant from the USC Good Neighbors Campaign, the Digital Promotoras program helps students tell the local stories that matter to them.