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.
To make online learning easier, USC’s college prep program gets tech-savvy
The Neighborhood Academic Initiative realized early in the pandemic that innovative learning tools would be needed to educate its scholars, leading a new team of “tech innovators” to make lightboards a top priority.
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.
Virtual gala celebrates 2020 grads of USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative
This year’s graduates of USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative were recognized for their perseverance during uncertain times; all 94 scholars will be attending college in the fall.
USC’s college access program helps its students transition to distance learning
Through laptops, tablets and instruction from savvy teachers, the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative strives to keep its local scholars engaged and educated during this unprecedented period.
Long-aspiring USC student proves that dreams can come true
Emily Suarez decided in fourth grade that she wanted to attend USC. After seven years of hard work and sacrifice in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative program, her plan is becoming a reality.
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s 2020 grads celebrate on Zoom
Even a global pandemic could not stop the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s class of 2020 from gathering online to rejoice in their successes.
Pandemic provides soon-to-be Trojan with career path possibilities
Nelson Henriquez Jr., who will graduate from the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative this month, has medicine on his mind.
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.
Local working families enjoy a holiday meal, thanks to Neighborhood Academic Initiative
To show their appreciation for families in the nearby community, the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative partnered with USC Hospitality to provide a warm holiday dinner.
Gifted middle school students immerse themselves in unique learning experience
The Discovery Project at USC encourages aspiring young scholars to think outside their comfort zone and engage with topics they wouldn’t normally tackle in their teens.
Donation of more than 4,000 books aims to promote literacy in USC’s neighborhood
The books are earmarked for nine schools with K-5 programs within the USC Family of Schools and will be delivered via the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
Promising young scholars honored as USC high-school initiative celebrates its latest graduates
More than 1,000 students have now gone through the USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a seven-year-long pre-college program that helps prepare local students for higher education.
Hit-and-run survivor will make dreams come true by graduating from USC
In March 2018, Kimberly Cuellar was struck by a car and broke her nose; her concussion symptoms lasted for weeks. Now, after recovering and completing her studies without pause, she’s about to make history for her family.
USC interim president offers encouraging words at Neighborhood Academic Initiative visit
Wanda M. Austin praises parents for their support and recalls the importance of academics in her own 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 Man screening, panel open world of opportunities for young scholars
The youngsters — participants in the signature USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative program — hang on every word from the panel of Trojan aerospace experts.
L.A. sixth-graders start their path to college on a red carpet at USC
The USC McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative’s newest participants take the first steps on their demanding seven-year trek toward higher education.
USC’s life-changing college prep program for local youth receives transformative gift
William and Leslie McMorrow’s donation endows the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, ensuring ongoing support for future generations of promising students in South and East Los Angeles.
Nikias shares his own story and encouraging words with pupils in USC’s unique college prep program
The university president makes a surprise visit to students and families participating in the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, which helps children who live near USC get ready for college.
Teen entrepreneur gets down to business, with help from USC neighborhood programs
Ximena Salas’ clothing company Mis Raíces is making a statement in the Latino community — just like its founder, who one day hopes to be a Trojan.
USC’s groundbreaking Neighborhood Academic Initiative honors 60 newest graduates
Joining in the festivities is actor Mark Hamill, a longtime supporter of the intense college-prep program that helps students living near the USC campuses.
Lakers’ Jeanie Buss Recognized for Community Outreach
The USC trustee supports education initiatives in Los Angeles.