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.
USC and California Emerging Technology Fund form partnership to close the digital divide
The research partnership will determine just how far California has to go to close critical gaps in internet access, an issue exacerbated by the pandemic.
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.