Food insecurity returns to pre-pandemic levels, but more than 1 in 10 Angelenos are still struggling
Nearly 1 million Los Angeles County residents are still food insecure, according to a new report spearheaded by USC Dornsife’s Public Exchange.
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.
New generation of advocates uses photojournalism to illuminate life in L.A.
The Digital Promotoras program — funded in part by the USC Good Neighbors Campaign — teaches teens how photography can shed light on the unseen issues in their communities.
Undergrads use sustainability fellowship to improve waste disposal for homeless Angelenos
Though Sandra Maestre and Camila Rojas know they can’t solve all of L.A.’s problems, the juniors from Costa Rica and Venezuela are hoping their project can at least address hygiene concerns on Skid Row.
Undergrad sustainability fellow looks to bring urban agriculture to affordable neighborhoods
Urban studies and planning major Baron Zhu is working to see more urban gardens and green spaces in areas with affordable housing around L.A.
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.
High school students contribute to USC Viterbi research
Poster session highlights work of 58 students in school’s Summer High School Intensive in Next-Generation Engineering program.
USC student turns knitting hobby into nonprofit that crafts caps for premature babies
Kathryn Huang and her family didn’t realize that the simple act of learning to knit would ultimately lead to an organization devoted to keeping babies warm in the neonatal ICU.
How Black church leaders and USC are overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Watts
The VaccinateLA health campaign connects community organizations in South and East Los Angeles with vaccines, doctors and other resources.
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.
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.
USC Sea Grant program helps L.A. kids become young scientists and engineers
“Storytime with a Scientist” is just one of many university initiatives that teach local students about the wonders of the scientific world.
Photos of Trojans on L.A.’s Vaccination Front Lines
See USC health professionals help roll out one of the country’s largest COVID-19 responses.
USC Pacific Asia Museum reopens and vows to be a platform for community artists
The museum’s “Opening and Closing Weekend” will feature the first — and final — chance to visit an exhibit on identity, migration, race and gender from seven Asian female artists.
South L.A. goes green as backyard gardens and orchards grow
Fresh produce from nearby neighborhoods makes its way across Los Angeles as USC’s Good Neighbors Campaign helps support local growers.
Despite advances in distance learning, homework gap persists among California families
While many K-12 students have adapted to online learning, a USC study finds that some families have had trouble accessing devices or reliable internet connections, especially Hispanics who primarily speak Spanish.
USC students teach college-style ‘mini-courses’ to high schoolers
The Shaukat Initiative — founded by an alum and run by students — lets those students develop ethics-focused classes based on their areas of interest.
COVID-19 Made it Clear We Need to Care for Caregivers
The pandemic kept kids home from school and upended the workplace, placing Americans who care for aging family members under even more pressure.
To create a better California, these landscape architects design inclusive public spaces for all
The Landscape Justice Initiative unites USC students and faculty with community organizations to tackle big social and environmental challenges in Los Angeles and beyond.
When COVID-19 vaccinations began, the USC community sprang into action
From day one of distribution to today, Trojans have been delivering vaccines to hard-hit communities, volunteering at mega-sites and ensuring that hundreds of thousands of shots get into arms.
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.
Youngest son aims to be family’s first child with college degree, with some help from USC
Five years ago, Christopher Chavez and his family committed to the university’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a decision that transformed their future.
Unsung heroes keep kids and families together in neighborhoods around USC
As the pandemic began to threaten people’s lives and their livelihoods, USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative staff stepped in to help.
California surpasses 90% internet connectivity, but low-income households still lack access
Amid the pandemic, a survey from USC and the California Emerging Technology Fund reveals regional and financial inequities that fuel the state’s digital divide.