Writing Unites USC Students and Ex-Prisoners Seeking a Better Life
Released prisoners share their stories while USC students write their own in an unusual partnership that has changed lives.
How Trash Turns into Treasure in Labs at USC
Waste salvaged from dumpsters, airplane graveyards and more finds a sustainable second life thanks to some creative ideas.
Alumna Gives Rural Chinese Students a Window to a Wider World
USC Price graduate Jingying Wu started the Little Fir Foundation to help children pursue their dreams for college and beyond.
Saying ‘thank you’ to donors doesn’t lead to repeat donations
Research from a behavioral economist at USC Dornsife has found that, though they may be appreciated, thank you calls don’t help with nonprofit fundraising.
Peace advocates and American veterans can be one and the same
A USC Dornsife professor describes the history of American veterans becoming outspoken war critics after experiencing its horrors.
Making his first film pushed this producer to get his USC Marshall MBA
Sam Mantell spent almost three years producing, editing and selling a documentary about being homeless in Los Angeles. His biggest takeaway? Understanding the business side of entertainment is key.
In an interconnected world, can environmentalists really ‘act locally’?
The desire to “think globally, act locally” is a complicated one in today’s world. A professor of geography at USC Dornsife explains how to best combat modern environmental problems.
USC student builds community to celebrate and encourage kids with limb differences
Lexi Brooks, a first-year USC undergrad born without a left hand, helped build 3D-printed prostheses and organized fun events for children with limb differences as a teenager.
Cities can learn from how Los Angeles is starting to address homelessness
Though L.A. is far from sheltering all of its citizens, the director of USC’s Initiative to Eliminate Homelessness believes the city’s recent efforts on are the right track.
Student club believes artificial intelligence can solve societal problems
At the student branch of USC’s Center for Artificial Intelligence in Society, undergraduates are using AI to tackle projects with environmental and social impact.
Three Dedicated Trojans Who Will Inspire You
Far from the spotlight, members of the Trojan Family make a big difference in the lives of others.
Hydrogen Fuel is Getting Buzz, But Here’s Why It Hasn’t Gone Mainstream
Is hydrogen the answer to our energy needs? An aerospace and mechanical engineer explains how to bring this fuel down to Earth.
A community’s support helps USC student and single mom earn her doctorate
Dezetta Burnett’s hometown of South L.A. has rallied around her as she pursues an advanced degree at USC. She plans to return the favor by advocating for her community.
Your Homework Assignment: Improve Refugees’ Lives
Students get creative with solutions as migrants flee regions in turmoil around the world.
An increasing number of Americans don’t believe in protecting racist speech
USC researchers have found that Americans’ tolerance for harmful and undermining racist speech has declined, particularly among younger people, liberals and the college educated.
As the black church shifts toward gender equality, USC lends faith communities a guiding hand
After the explosive impact of #MeToo, concerns about the #ChurchToo movement have inspired USC Dornsife’s Center for Religion and Civic Culture to assist in reshaping the patriarchal culture of the African American church.
Creating Video Games for Social Good
Video games can influence society for the better, and these USC game creators are trying to do just that.
Occupational therapists find their place in providing health care for the homeless
USC Chan’s Deborah Pitts has worked to integrate occupational therapists into agencies that help the homeless, and her efforts are opening doors to new opportunities.
Trojan wants to bring the lessons of the L.A. Zoo to everyone
Anna Becker fell in love with the zoo as a child. As a member of the Los Angeles Zoo’s education team, she’s working to make its programs more accessible for students throughout the city.
Donation of more than 4,000 books aims to promote literacy in USC’s neighborhood
The books are earmarked for nine schools with K-5 programs within the USC Family of Schools and will be delivered via the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
Business or social good? USC student chooses both after graduation
Mounir Ghabrial turned down a lucrative offer from a major consulting firm to join a startup focused on improving access to healthy food in Los Angeles.
USC green team leads Coliseum to zero waste win
The USC Office of Sustainability has been recognized by L.A. County with a Green Leadership Award for making the Coliseum a zero waste facility.
Social work student goes from convicted gang member to community activist
USC MSW student Adrian Reveles has used a past littered with trauma, substance abuse and gang involvement to fuel his new life as a violence prevention activist and homeless youth advocate.
USC graduate students gain deeper understanding of homelessness
A semester-long project at USC Annenberg encourages journalism students to challenge misconceptions about the homeless community.