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.
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.