USC names Samuel Garrison senior vice president of university relations
Garrison will direct a more robust department dedicated to community partnerships, civic leadership and collaboration with local businesses, schools and neighbors.
Partnership at USC School of Dramatic Arts focuses on arts and social justice
The school’s Institute for Theatre & Social Change will team with the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative to recruit and train middle school students interested in drama.
Student intellectual society doesn’t just discuss big ideas; it makes a big impact
The Philologos Society started as a way for USC students to share knowledge, but its members also make a point to give back to people in need throughout Los Angeles.
Student-created nonprofit delivers thousands of gallons of water to people in need
Three USC students have raised more than $400,000 since July to supply L.A. residents experiencing homelessness with clean, reliable bottled water.
Student club helps introduce children to music, whether in person or on Zoom
USC junior Danika Banh created the Music Inspiring Community club to bring regular lessons to underserved elementary school classrooms.
USC students build an orphanage, provide water to the homeless and assist immigrants
The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t stopped students in Kamy Akhavan’s class “Doing Good: How to Start and Run a Successful Nonprofit Organization” from bettering the world.
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.
Dance adaptation: USC Kaufman student teachers keep kids moving through online classes
Elementary students dance like no one’s watching as they step into their virtual studio, taking part in a key program that’s expanding during a tough time.
Good Neighbors Campaign awards $1.3 million to community programs combating COVID-19
The grants support local nonprofits and programs focused on food and housing insecurity, along with closing the digital divide for remote learning students.
Connecting African Americans and the national parks: USC Gould alumna uses law to do it
Noemi Perez uses her USC Gould law education to link predominantly African American sorority Zeta Phi Beta and the National Parks Service.
L.A. communities of color rely on police yet are stopped and arrested at higher rates
A new USC report found evidence of overpolicing along with a steady increase in 911 calls by community members to law enforcement agencies over much of the past decade.
His Journey to USC Started with a Tough Choice
Ivan Garcia is among the first graduates of USC’s expanded college-prep program, and now he’s a first-year Trojan. But he almost missed his chance.
USC Athletics fund puts technology in L.A. County schoolkids’ hands
Trojan Outreach has set up the Stay Connected Technology Fund to distribute 150 Chromebooks to youngsters who desperately need them.
St. Agnes Catholic Church, with USC help, distributes hope to residents of South L.A.
When the coronavirus hit, neighbors’ need for food donations grew dramatically. So has St. Agnes’ distribution program, which now helps hundreds of families each week.
USC staff members help deliver critical COVID-19 supplies to neighbors in need
The university has partnered with 53 community organizations to distribute more than 7,500 kits full of face masks, antibacterial wipes and hand sanitizer to local residents.
Trojans lead kids’ science lessons, story time and yoga practice from home
Students taking part in USC Dornsife’s Joint Educational Project are bringing their service-learning program to children remotely through a new video series.
USC community fund distributes critical resources to neighbors in need
More than $81,000 has been awarded to community programs that support local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Effie Turnbull Sanders named VP of civic engagement and economic partnerships
The community leader brings more than two decades of experience advancing the rights of underserved Los Angeles communities.
Social work alum cultivates community in downtown L.A.
Jose Ruiz started CultivaLA to develop urban gardens and increase access to healthy food. When the pandemic hit, he scaled up to focus on his neighbors in need.
USC’s Unsung Heroes of the Pandemic
They disinfect hospital rooms and feed neighbors in need. These members of the Trojan Family take action in times of crisis.
USC Arts in Action and Skid Row Arts Alliance ready next round of art packages
After the success of their first round of distribution, the two organizations have a second wave ready to go.
Virtual gala celebrates 2020 grads of USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative
This year’s graduates of USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative were recognized for their perseverance during uncertain times; all 94 scholars will be attending college in the fall.
USC’s college access program helps its students transition to distance learning
Through laptops, tablets and instruction from savvy teachers, the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative strives to keep its local scholars engaged and educated during this unprecedented period.