First-generation and students of color set records. The university’s college prep program for neighborhood children and teens leads the way with 57 first-year students. And Southern California public high schools make their strongest showing.
Persistence and a love of math and science led first-generation college student Mayla Rodriguez to USC Viterbi’s civil engineering program.
USC’s Student Equity and Inclusion Programs kick off fall with a message from the university’s many identity-specific resource centers and student communities: “You belong here.”
Since 2008, first-gen students can be paired up with first-gen alumni to help the young Trojans get the most out of their USC experience.
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.
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.
Despite early setbacks, graduating USC student Giovanni Flores is gaining momentum as he aims for a post-graduation pilot slot.
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.
Five years ago, Christopher Chavez and his family committed to the university’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a decision that transformed their future.
Diversity and academic achievement distinguish the newest Trojans, including a record number of first-generation college students.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USC students talk about which labels they prefer, the stories behind them and the significance of self-identifying the way they do.
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.
USC’s college preparatory program helps high achievers avoid undermatching and get into the top schools they deserve.
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.
Though she initially struggled as a first-gen student, Cynthia Diana Villarreal has found — and built — a community of her own.
Catherine Pérez Garcia, a first-generation college student, will continue her research on health disparities in minority populations.
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.
Kathy Pulupa spent her undergraduate years at USC researching spaces where women of color — especially lesbians and undocumented women — can feel safe and supported.
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.
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.