A pervasive focus on making a difference in Southern California

Through relevant research, community partnerships and service learning programs, the College is leading efforts to ensure the Southern California region remains economically competitive and culturally vibrant, while instilling in future leaders the importance of civic engagement.

The College has been the nexus for initiating several dozen community programs that support the notion that community-based service learning should benefit not only the community, but also the students who participate in it.

At the center of USC's commitment to the community is the College's Joint Educational Project (JEP).  More than 2,000 USC students each year become involved in the surrounding neighborhood, volunteering alongside members of the community on various humanitarian projects.  As a result, USC has enhanced the quality of life of its neighbors by addressing educational, cultural, economic development and safety issues.  Whether students are leading after-school tutoring sessions, volunteering in a Los Angeles hospital, or teaching high school students about world affairs, service learning programs enable College students to carry away a better understanding of an academic discipline, while having an opportunity to work and learn with people of other cultures.

The College's innovative community outreach efforts have resulted in national distinctions for USC, such as Time magazine's "College of the Year 2000," and Princeton Review's top "Colleges with a Conscience."

As the College engages in work to benefit the region, it seeks active participation from community groups.  For example, the Casden Institute for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life is committed to working in concert with Los Angeles organizations to explore contemporary issues related to the interface between the Jewish community and the broader, multi-faceted cultures that form the nation.  The College has developed a community-based institute dedicated to multidisciplinary Armenian studies, the first of its kind in the U.S, and a USC Korean Studies Institute which serves as a platform for discussing issues of concern to the Korean community.

Giving Opportunities

Service learning and community outreach programs benefit not only the Southern California community, but also the students and faculty who are participants in this important work that positively impacts our region. Neighbors depend upon USC College as a valuable resource, while communities throughout California benefit from the new knowledge the College creates and shares.

The College seeks fund to support dynamic community outreach programs and institutes. Some examples of programs that can be supported with gifts are:

• Institute for Armenian Studies
• Casden Institute for the Study of the Jewish Role in American Life
• Center for Active Learning in International Relations (K-12 Education Outreach)
• Joint Educational Project
• Korean Studies Institute
• Origination Funds for New Community Programs 
• QuikScience Challenge for K-12 Science Education Outreach