Connecting researchers with problem solvers to build a better future
A first-of-its-kind program, Public Exchange brings the expertise of our university researchers to partners in private and public sectors to address complex challenges. With access to a spectrum of academic expertise, the program has tackled social impact challenges surrounding food insecurity, health and quality of life for local communities, public understanding of the threats posed by climate change, the mental health and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce post-pandemic, and supporting consumer water conservation efforts.
USC Dornsife in Action
Public Exchange connects partners with the right team of USC researchers, defines a scope and timeline, and provides project management from start to finish. This model provides Public Exchange partners with the data, analysis and evidence-based recommendations they need to solve big challenges. See below some of the challenges that the Public Exchange team has addressed.
The USC Urban Trees Initiative partners USC experts with the City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works to guide the growth of an urban forest of shade trees that benefit the health and quality of life for local communities.
Working in partnership with Los Angeles County, USC Dornsife Public Exchange is collaborating with faculty from Keck School of Medicine of USC, USC Dornsife Spatial Sciences Institute, USC Price School of Public Policy, and City University New York to build a whole-of-system data portal that monitors food and nutrition access and insecurity throughout L.A. County.
Public Exchange and researchers from USC Dornsife’s Center for Economic and Social Research have teamed with Keck Medicine’s Care for Caregivers program to address burnout and mental health among healthcare workers.
Communities of Support
Addressing Thorny Issues
Public Exchange is a bold and innovative effort to make academic expertise readily accessible to a wide range of partners. It provides a new way for research universities to address some of the most difficult societal problems and contribute to the Academy in the Public Square.
We are partners in a shared journey to change our world for the better. Every contribution to USC Dornsife counts towards our ability to enhance the training of the next generation of leaders, providing opportunities for innovation and creative freedom through research and expert faculty recruitment. Your gifts are making an impact at USC Dornsife and we thank you!
See the impact of donors’ support.
We are partners in a shared journey to change our world for the better. Every contribution to USC Dornsife counts towards our ability to enhance the training of the next generation of leaders, providing opportunities for innovation and creative freedom through research and expert faculty recruitment. Your gifts are making an impact at USC Dornsife and we thank you!
See the impact of donors’ support.
How You Can Help
Contributions to Public Exchange helps make academic expertise accessible to professionals in the private and public sectors who are tackling society’s most complex issues. Through donor support, Public Exchange can continue to accelerate and amplify USC’s social impact.
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Public Exchange works with a number of public partners whose financial ability to address thorny issues is limited. With funding, the team is able to support research that may otherwise be out of reach for these partners.
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Public Exchange has an ambitious growth plan that will increase the capacity of the team and university scholars, and expanding the university’s impact.
Make Your Gift
Your gift attracts the top students, funds the next big breakthrough and supports a community of scholars committed to tackling the most pressing issues we face as a society.
Connect With Us
USC Dornsife Office of Advancement
1150 South Olive Street, Suite 2400
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Mail Checks to:
USC Advancement Gift Services
1150 South Olive Street, Suite 2500
Los Angeles, California 90015
USC Tax ID: 95-1642394