Solar power: LADWP Springbok Solar Farm — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s Springbok 3 Solar Farm in Mojave will virtually apply nearly 30% of its energy production to USC, resulting in offsetting one-quarter of the university’s annual electricity needs. (Photo/Courtesy of Arevon Energy Inc.)

USC-LADWP agreement taps into offsite solar power for the university and its neighbors

The agreement will provide a quarter of USC’s electricity with power from a solar farm in Mojave. It also brings new opportunities for residents in nearby communities to gain access to affordable solar power.

Najuma Smith-Pollard wears a black jacket and jeans as she sits in a red pew inside the Word of Encouragement Community Church in Los Angeles. — Rev. Najuma Smith-Pollard, founding pastor of the Word of Encouragement Community Church in Los Angeles, has seen Black churches drive social change in the city.

Why Activism Thrives in L.A.’s Black Churches

Pastors advocate for their people from the pulpit and on the streets — and training at USC gives them the tools to take their work further.

Health

A student wearing a stethoscope helps another student adjust a blood pressure cuff — USC's free community programs put Los Angeles students and residents on the path to health care careers.

L.A. Residents Get Their Start in Health Careers Through These USC Programs

USC offers workforce development programs to help kids, teens and adults find their future in the medical industry.

An illustration of a book with the American flag on the cover opening and four students floating out of it along the red and white stripes — (Illustration/Hanna Barczyk)

Revitalize Civics Education By Connecting Real-World Action to the Classroom

In an age of disinformation and disaffection, how do we teach the next generation of informed, active citizens?

University

Martin Luther King Jr. at a podium flanked by other rally attendees at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. — Martin Luther King Jr. speaks during a religious rally at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in 1964. (Photo/Bob Miller, Valley Times Collection/Los Angeles Public Library)

Martin Luther King Jr.’s Moments and Mission in Los Angeles

The civil rights leader visited USC and its surrounding neighborhoods throughout the late ’50s and ’60s in his quest to improve the lives of Black Americans.

University

Voting at USC — A deputy election registrar registers voters in front of USC’s Student Union in 1960. (Photo/Courtesy of USC University Archives)

“I Voted”: Professors and Alums Share Memories of Their First Election Day

Trojans remember casting their first ballot — and the hope and civic pride that still inspires them, even decades later.

University

Tom Sayles, Leslie McMorrow, Alyssa Young, Kim Thomas-Barrios, and Bill McMorrow at the NAI gala — Tom Sayles, Leslie McMorrow, Neighborhood Academic Initiative scholar Alyssa Young, Kim Thomas-Barrios and William McMorrow, from left, at the 2018 NAI gala (USC Photo/Rich Schmitt)

USC’s life-changing college prep program for local youth receives transformative gift

William and Leslie McMorrow’s donation endows the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, ensuring ongoing support for future generations of promising students in South and East Los Angeles.

University

Rosalinda Larios portrait — Rosalinda Larios worked at her own dentist's office and took classes on Saturdays to better prepare for her start at USC. (USC Photo/Gus Ruelas)

Los Angeles teen dreams of dentistry and USC

Former TRiO student Rosalinda Larios faces intense competition, but she’s determined to beat the odds.

renters' rights housing clinic — Nakea Brown previously lived at the Rolland Curtis Gardens apartment complex, which is being redeveloped. She found affordable housing elsewhere with help from the USC Housing Law Clinic. (USC Photo/Ron Mackovich)

USC Housing Law Clinic Protects L.A. Renters’ Rights

Renters living near the university’s campuses have a lifeline when they need help.

University

USC’s neighbors get a helping hand with school supplies

Families living near the Health Sciences Campus stock up for the school year, thanks to USC Civic Engagement and the university’s Good Neighbors Campaign.

University

Jaime Carias with students — Jaime Carias speaks to high school students at USC Annenberg. (USC Photo/Brett van Ort)

Alum encourages local teenagers to think big

USC civic engagement coordinator raised in South Los Angeles reaches out to nearby high schools.

University

Earl Paysinger brings neighborhood knowledge to USC Civic Engagement post

After a 40-year career with the LAPD — much of it on the streets of South L.A. — he takes on USC’s extensive efforts that connect it with the neighborhoods around the university’s campuses.

Policy/Law