We support the Good Neighbors Campaign by contributing funding to University partnerships with community organizations. The Good Neighbors Campaign was founded by then-USC President Steven Sample in 1994 by asking faculty and staff to contribute a portion of their paychecks to support or establish community-building organizations in the surrounding area. Good Neighbor Campaign funded organizations range from placing children on a pathway to college, making the streets safer for families, and offering activities and programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of residents in the neighborhoods surrounding USC’s campuses. Faculty is encouraged to participate by applying for funding and beginning a community project. 

Faculty can submit their proposal by following the directions on the following link:

http://communities.usc.edu/uno/proposal.html

Grant proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, 2013.

PAST GRANTEES (2011-2012):

USC ReadersPLUS: $82,905

- http://dornsife.usc.edu/readersplus/

- Community Partners: 32nd Street USC/MaST, Alexander Science Center School, Birdielee Bright Elementary School, Foshay Learning Center, ICEF Lou Dantzler Prep, King Elementary School, John Mack Elementary, Norwood Elementary, St. Agnes School, St. Raphael School, St. Vincent School, Vermont Elementary, Weemes Elementary 

- University Partner: USC Readers Plus

- USC ReadersPLUS has placed 80-100 USC students in neighborhood schools as academic tutors during the school day and in after school programming since 1997 beginning with the original five Family of Schools. This year's grant includes two expansion schools.

Education Consortium of Central Los Angeles: $25,570

- http://eccla.org/

- Community Partner:  ECCLA 

- University Partner:  USC Readers Plus

- ECCLA aids in retention of high-quality teachers by recognizing excellence and providing teachers with information. Over the years, ECCLA has designed, facilitated and implemented activities, programs and research projects that have had a significant and positive impact on the formal and informal learning environment of the underserved student population of Central Los Angeles.

ARC Smart Archaeology Program: $4,393

- http://www.usc.edu/dept/LAS/arc/arcsmart.html

- Community Partners: LAUSD Art and Artifact Collection, 32nd Street/USC Magnet Center, Alexander Science Center School, Foshay Learning Center, John Mack Elementary, Norwood Elementary, St. Agnes School, St. Vincent School, Vermont Elementary

- University Partner: USC School of Religion, Archaeology Research Center

- ARC Smart is a California state standards-based archaeology-themed enrichment program for 6th grade students in the USC neighborhood. ARC Smart includes five in-classroom “field trips” that feature different modes of archaeological exploration, observation, critical thinking and content about ancient and modern societies. USC’s archaeology faculty joins with USC students to creatively bring the museum experience and the excitement of archaeological exploration directly into the classroom.

Supporting Foster Youth in Transition to Adulthood (SFYTA): $33,550

- http://news.usc.edu/#!/article/29679/uno-grant-to-support-foster-youth-at-learning-center/

- Community Partner: Living Advantage, Inc, Foshay Learning Center 

- University Partner: USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Joint Educational Project 

- The SFYTA program is designed to address the problems facing youth aging out of the foster care system by using technology, social networking and media to reduce the disconnect of services to foster care and homeless youth in Los Angeles County. The SFYTA provides a range of services and support to foster youth at Foshay Learning Center that prepares them for independent living, higher education and employment. 

Garden Gateway Nutrition Education Project: $27,436

- Community Partner:  Community Services Unlimited 

- University Partner:  Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, Department of History

- The Garden Gateway nutrition education project (formerly called From the Ground Up) improves the health of children and adults by teaching gardening and healthy cooking skills that increase their ability to access and eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.