Students pose with a USC Dornsife flag in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Hands-on learning outside the classroom can expand your horizons and enrich your education in countless ways. USC Dornsife is proud to support students engaging in academic research, overseas study, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities. Click on the boxes to learn more about our various types of awards.

Undergraduate Grants

Student Opportunities for Academic Research (SOAR)

Dornsife students engaging in faculty-led research during the fall and/or spring semesters are encouraged to apply for up to $1,000 in funding through the SOAR program. This includes spring Maymesters and fall Julymesters that involve a research component.

Summer Undergraduate Research Fund (SURF) / Summer Humanities Undergraduate Research Fund (SHURE)

SURF and SHURE provide up to $3,000 in funding for Dornsife students participating in faculty-led research during the summer. Students participating in Problems without Passports (PWP) summer courses are also eligible to apply.

Major-Specific Research and Internship Grants

Students pursuing research and internship opportunities, in selected majors, whether on or off campus, may be eligible to apply for an award to support these hands-on learning experiences.

Major-Specific Travel Grants

Students pursuing overseas study in selected majors or to selected countries may be eligible to apply for an award to support these hands-on learning opportunities.

ExL Award

The ExL Award supports Dornsife undergraduates interested in participating in hands-on learning opportunities such as service learning, professional conferences, or overseas study. Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a declared Dornsife major.

Gateway Internship Pay It Forward Scholarship

By gaining real world experience through an internship, students add to their academic pursuits and strengthen career skills. The Pay It Forward Scholarship is awarded to sophomores, juniors, and seniors at USC Dornsife who participate in an unpaid summer internship at a non-profit 501 (c) organization or government agency.

Other Travel Scholarships

The USC Office of Overseas Studies has collected information on a number of scholarship opportunities, both within and outside USC, to support study abroad.

Other Internship Grants

The USC Career Pathways office has collected information on a number of funding sources for participation in internships.

Contact Details

Contact us

If you have further questions, please contact our office. We’re happy to help!

USC Dornsife Admission and Student Success

(213) 740-5930