The Center for the Political Future launched the Student Scholars Program in Fall 2023. Students can participate in CPF activities to earn access to career advancement resources, receptions with VIPs, honor cords, scholarships, and more.
To sign up, stop by SOS B15, submit event proof to the Event Selfie Form, or email koerting@usc.edu.
Questions? Email cpf@usc.edu or visit us in SOS B15.
Click Here for Tier Participation Requirements
CPF Scholar – Tier 1
- Membership to CPF’s private LinkedIn jobs page for priority access to internships, networking, and job opportunities
- Priority enrollment for Fellows study groups, Cerrell, POSC 395, and other opportunities
- Eligibility for referrals and letters of recommendation from CPF
CPF Honor Cord Scholar – Tier 2
- Earn an honor cord at graduation to signify record of success at CPF and commitment to advancing civil dialogue and bridging divides
- Get invited to a fun, private reception with VIPs
- Receive all the perks from the Center Scholar category
CPF Civic Leader Scholarship – Tier 3
- Earn the Elizabeth Garrett Leadership Award scholarship from the Center
- Get featured on the CPF website
- Get invited to a private CPF scholarship reception
- Receive all the perks from the Center Scholar and Distinction Honor Cord categories
Elizabeth Garrett Leadership Award
Join CPF in honoring the students who earned the Elizabeth Garrett Leadership Award scholarship by achieving Tier 3 of the Student Scholars Program!
- Isobel Smith (Master of Public Diplomacy, BA International Relations, Minor in News Media and Society): “Throughout my time at USC, CPF hosted events and promoted opportunities that encouraged me to learn about the political process, seek collaboration across the political spectrum, and learn from experts in a variety of fields. The Student Scholars Program took me from Washington, D.C. to Sacramento and truly enhanced my student experience.”
- Chase Davidson (BA Political Science, Minor in Legal Studies): “CPF gave me the opportunity to meet individuals who had various, unique experiences in the political field. Through interactions with three CPF Fellows, two internship experiences via the POSC 395 course, and meaningful conversations with the brightest minds in politics, I was able to hone my interests and pursue my true passions. CPF has left an indelible mark on my undergraduate career, and I will reminisce fondly about my experiences with every peer and faculty member I interacted with at the Center. Thank you, sincerely, to everyone who made my CPF experience possible.”
- Duncan Law (Master of Public Policy, BA Political Science, Minor in International Policy and Management): “CPF is a truly unique space at USC. Events like the Warschaw Conference and Climate Forward Conference allowed me to meet some incredible people. The Fellows study groups took it further, giving me the chance to learn directly from and build relationships with top political experts. CPF scholarships allowed me to pursue internships without worrying about money. Most importantly, CPF was my home on campus. The staff always made me feel welcome and wanted. I deeply appreciate the lessons, the network, and the money that CPF gave me, but the thing I value the most is the relationships I built there.”
- Kayla Wong (BFA Film & Television Production, Minor in Entertainment Industry): “Working at CPF for the past three years has been an incredible experience and a powerful way to stay politically engaged. As a filmmaker passionate about social justice and impact-driven storytelling, CPF helped me stay informed and inspired. Its mission to bridge divides has guided me throughout college, shaping how I approach tough conversations in all areas of life. Whether mediating conflicts as Community Chair or navigating compromises on set, CPF equipped me with the tools and mindset to foster understanding and collaboration. This organization not only deepened my political awareness, but strengthened my ability to lead with empathy and purpose in creative and communal spaces.”
CPF Student Scholars Program FAQs
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- You’ll need an enrollment form with your name and contact information on it. Student Scholars Program Enrollment Form
- At every CPF activity you attend or complete, you’ll need to get your form signed and stamped to verify completion. CPF will keep all the enrollment forms in our office, and we’ll bring them to events. You don’t need to keep the piece of paper. You do need to check in at events and make sure we update your form with your latest activity.
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- Only full-time CPF staff members can sign off on completed requirements.
- The only CPF staff member who can sign off on the completion of a scholar tier is the Executive Director, Kamy Akhavan.
- All signatures must include the official CPF stamp and date to be considered completed.
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No. We encourage USC students from all schools, majors, and fields of study to join.
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No. You can only get credit for a CPF event if you attend in person and submit a selfie via this online form or email it to koerting@usc.edu.
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- Any in-person events listed on the CPF website are eligible for a signature.
- The expectation is that you attend the entire event.
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No. To ensure fairness, you must submit a selfie via this online form or email it to koerting@usc.edu.
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- Many verifiably completed activities and classes can be added from the 2022-2023 school year, subject to review by Kayla Koerting. These are determined on a case-by-case basis.
- No events or fellows study groups will be allowed from years prior to the 2023-2024 academic year.
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Yes, in-person CPF events that would normally accrue student scholar credit can count for both class credit and student scholar credit.
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An unexcused absence is a no-email no-show absence. If you email the Fellows Manager ahead of time, it will be considered excused.
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Yes, you can still receive credit for participating in qualifying events that you are required to attend.
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Please direct all questions about the Student Scholars Program to cpf@usc.edu.