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.
Thanking the Good Neighbors at USC
University honors staff, faculty who donate 1 percent of their salary to program that helps the neighborhoods around the school’s campuses.
Who are USC’s freshmen? The highest achieving and among the most diverse ever enrolled
The most-represented high school is Foshay Learning Center, a public school less than a mile from the USC University Park Campus.
Freshman Sydney Turner has been preparing for USC since the sixth grade
She’s a graduate of the university’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative, a rigorous program that helps prepare local kids for college — and rewards them with a USC education when they succeed.
USC releases student and faculty diversity numbers
Student diversity rates are strong in many categories, including several in which the university is No. 1 among private U.S. institutions; ‘PhD pipeline’ is focus of faculty efforts.
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative celebrates 25 years of college access and success for local children
Hundreds of future leaders have completed the program, which provides intense academic support to dedicated youngsters.
All in the Family
The Ruiz Brothers show hard work pays off.
Payoff for LA Teens’ Hard Work: Scholarships to USC
The Neighborhood Academic Initiative brings college-prep classes to kids and teens around USC’s campuses.
UNICEF honors USC president with Spirit of Compassion Award
C. L. Max Nikias is recognized for encouraging students to be philanthropic, globally minded and informed of the issues that affect children. David Beckham is also honored.
President honors Leadership Circle for life-changing generosity
An annual gala toasts the Trojans who donated 1 percent of their salaries to the Good Neighbors Campaign, which aids neighborhoods surrounding the USC campuses.
The girl in the prophetic T-shirt
Commencement comes full circle for a South LA student who once wore a childhood shirt reading ‘I’m going to college at USC.’
Scholars gala honors Joan Payden for Neighborhood Academic Initiative gift
Another 61 high-school graduates will continue their education this fall, thanks to groundbreaking USC program.
Trustee’s gift widens the reach of USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative
The Joan A. Payden Student Academy will boost the education of children in neighborhoods near the university’s campuses.
USC Neighborhood Academic Initiative honors record number of young graduates
Sixty-five scholars from South LA complete the intensive program, and all are going on to college.
USC serves as model for Latino students
USC is one of the most successful at graduating Latino students, according to an analysis by the Education Trust.
Children of shadow and light
A new book by USC Dornsife’s Elaine Bell Kaplan uses inner-city children’s photographs of their environments to confront powerful issues of class, race and identity.
Trojans in training, in East Los Angeles
USC’s signature college access program, Neighborhood Academic Initiative expands its reach to the schools of East Los Angeles.