See where many USC students will hang out — and find a place to belong — this fall
Remodeled cultural centers and lounges will give Trojans a place to meet up, talk and make friends. Get a first look at them in photos.
Studying psychedelic mushrooms propels first-gen student to divinity school
Graduating senior Kimberly Melgoza researches how mind-altering substances have been used in rituals across Latin America. She’ll bring her studies to Yale Divinity School this fall.
First-gen engineering grad ready to land Air Force career
Despite early setbacks, graduating USC student Giovanni Flores is gaining momentum as he aims for a post-graduation pilot slot.
Inspired by her Trojan mentor, first-gen student pursues physical therapy dream
Stephanie Contreras will be the first person in her family to attend college — and the leap doesn’t look so formidable, thanks to the mentorship of USC student Natalia Barajas.
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.
More than 8,800 offered fall admission to USC, from historically large pool of applicants
Diversity and academic achievement distinguish the newest Trojans, including a record number of first-generation college students.
From USC student to the U.S. Foreign Service
Betty Thai earned a fellowship that could lead to a job as a U.S. diplomat, an ideal fit for the first-generation college student who wants to help solve global challenges.
This world-wise veteran is ready to assist in the ER
After eight years in the Navy, Brian Phan is a well-traveled vet with a knack for photography who plans to put his USC education to use as a physician assistant.
First-gen Trojan aims to serve, whether by mentoring USC students or identifying unknown bodies
Angelina Crittenden is already making a difference through the First Generation Student Leadership Program she helped create. Her long-term plan: becoming a medical examiner.
Air Force vet takes his math talents to USC Viterbi
After spending four years keeping some of the world’s biggest planes in the air, first-generation transfer student Matt Mena is climbing toward a computer science degree.
🎧 Latinx, Latino/a or Chicano: Students share what they call themselves and why
USC students talk about which labels they prefer, the stories behind them and the significance of self-identifying the way they do.
In a year like no other, the USC Class of 2024 stands out
Public high schools and first-generation students create an outstanding fall class — USC’s largest incoming class ever — with South L.A. and the Eastside leading the way.
Bovard Scholars inspires low-income high school students to aim high
USC’s college preparatory program helps high achievers avoid undermatching and get into the top schools they deserve.
From pain and intimidation to purpose and belonging: One first-gen student’s journey
As a teenager, Jasmin Sanchez suffered a painful medical emergency that taught her to stand up for herself. Now she’s a USC Dornsife undergrad determined to advocate for others.
Doctoral graduate from USC Rossier learns to succeed her own way
Though she initially struggled as a first-gen student, Cynthia Diana Villarreal has found — and built — a community of her own.
PhD graduate to study health disparities, including impact of COVID-19 on Puerto Rican older adults
Catherine Pérez Garcia, a first-generation college student, will continue her research on health disparities in minority populations.
Determination and grit helped this 59-year-old finally earn her master’s
Inspired by her children, Ana González never gave up. Now, she’s got her degree and years of college memories, including a memorable meeting with President Carol L. Folt.
The soccer field provided this graduating senior with a place to be herself
Kathy Pulupa spent her undergraduate years at USC researching spaces where women of color — especially lesbians and undocumented women — can feel safe and supported.
First-gen graduating senior made a home at USC thanks to her Latinx peers
Maria Del Pilar Morales initially struggled to find her place at USC, but she soon discovered her calling in global health and her community among the university’s Latinx students and alumni.
How a USC student from Chicago ended up protecting sea life through science
Senior Connie Machuca studies corals and anemones to understand how they respond to rising temperatures, acidification and other ocean-related issues linked to climate change.
Hard work — including transporting gravel at age 10 — pays off for first-gen student
USC Viterbi freshman Jovani Esparza, a first-generation scholarship student, was inspired by his parents and brother to become an engineer and give back to those in need.
Neighborhood Academic Initiative students prepare for the next phase of their journey: college
Parents and graduating students from South and East L.A. shared breakfast and reminisced about their seven-year path through USC’s premier college prep program.
Polluted river sparks first-gen student’s dreams of environmental change
Juan Pablo de los Rios grew up on both the Mexican and American sides of the Rio Grande, which became a dumping ground for toxic waste. As a chemistry grad student at USC Dornsife, he hopes to one day clean that river and others like it.
First look at USC’s Class of 2023: diverse, hard-working and high-achieving
Among incoming students, 1 in 4 had perfect grades in high school and over 15% are first-generation.