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.
Want to help working-class students succeed in college? Embrace their values
Emphasizing teamwork and community can help low-income and first-generation college students feel like they belong, according to research by USC’s Sarah Townsend and colleagues.
Students can afford to go abroad thanks to USC Dornsife fellowship
International travel, field research and community service projects are accessible to first-generation students at USC through the Fisher Fellowship program.
High schooler researching cancer at USC preps for his next stop: the Ivy League
Though Anthony Ball is only a high school senior, he’s already an integral part of a USC research team. His next stop? Dartmouth College on a full scholarship.
Driven to help the underserved, first-gen student graduates with dual degrees in health
Born in Vietnam to parents with fifth-grade educations, Amy Nham was taught that learning is the way out of poverty. As one of the first students to graduate from USC with the dual PharmD/MPH degree, she plans to use her skills to help those in real need.
From a village in Syria to USC Bovard Scholar and first-gen student
Toni Atieh came to America only knowing two words in English: “hi” and “bye.” Now he’s finishing his freshman year at USC.
Trojan Air Force cadet, a first-generation student, has his eyes on the skies
Giovanni Flores has long been interested in space. The university’s ROTC program has put it within his reach.
Gift endows first-generation program at USC Gould School of Law
The $3 million gift from alumnus John Molina endows the C. David Molina First Generation Professionals Program, named in honor of John Molina’s father, and a scholarship fund.
First-generation USC students gain career and life advice from alumni mentors
Undergrads and alumni meet up regularly to polish resumes, practice networking skills and bond over shared first-gen experiences through a USC Career Center initiative.
Parents’ sacrifices drive first-generation USC student to succeed
Seeing her mom and dad work tough jobs to survive motivates USC Mork Scholar Jacqueline Martinez to provide them and others in similar circumstances with a better life.
First-generation USC student models herself after those who helped her succeed
Saianna Smith found her calling thanks to encouragement from teachers and mentors. Now the USC master’s student is helping others follow in her footsteps.
First-generation student Anthony Llamas has come far: ‘It’s not any college; it’s USC’
Proud parents take a rare day off to share a milestone as their son moves in at college.
Air Force security forces specialist recalls her path to military social work
Aimee Bravo discusses her time in the military and her vision for curbing substance use among service members by increasing access to mental health resources on military bases.
Freshman class sets records for diversity, academic achievement
More students say “yes” than ever before; 1 in 4 have perfect grade-point averages and 17 percent are first-generation.
First-generation workshops help students settle into college life
USC is increasing resources for students in their family’s first generation to attend college, including support with academic planning and making social connections.
Maria Manjarrez brings firsthand experience to California Student Aid Commission
The USC junior wouldn’t be in college without financial aid. Now the governor has named her a post where she can help others in the same position.
Michael Felix is 95th President of the USC Alumni Association’s Board of Governors
The new leader wants to help other first-generation students find their place in the Trojan Family.
For this Los Angeles student, USC offered the path to a better life
Chemistry whiz Ryan Lopez wants to become the role model he never had growing up in South Los Angeles.
Inspiring first-generation student navigates college, keeps promise she made to her parents
Milly Rodriguez assured them she would become the first in her family to graduate from college. And she’s sticking to that vow.
Med student sets example for peers in underserved communities that they, too, can be a doctor
By going into medicine, Andrew Homere realized he could help people who thought medical school wasn’t an option.
Med student, first in his family to pursue a graduate degree, tells why he’s becoming a doctor
His interest in medicine and social justice was influenced by a lack of equitable health resources for minorities.
Annual summit builds community for first-generation students
Students and educators from across the state gather to focus on students who are the “epitome of the American dream.”
Asian-American students connect with peers at USC cultural center
Marking its 35th anniversary, Asian Pacific American Student Services supports students who may struggle with their identities.
USC resources for first-generation students help inspire budding journalist
Tomás Mier keeps busy with a double-major, Topping Scholar activities and his job as managing editor of the Daily Trojan.