Janice and James Lacy established a fund to assist undergraduate students participating in USC’s Dornsife School of International Relations study abroad programs. This fund provides travel awards up to $3000 to support students’ international experiences. To be eligible, internships or projects must receive academic approval, underscoring the fund’s commitment to educational rigor.

The Lacy fund represents the Lacy’s dedication to fostering global perspectives and making international experiences more accessible. It not only eases financial burdens but also enriches the educational journeys of USC students. Through this initiative, Janice and James Lacy contribute significantly to promoting cross-cultural understanding and shaping the future of USC’s International Relations and Political Science scholars.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  • The internship or research must be completed before the student graduates from USC Dornsife.
  • Recipients must be registered for the Fall 2025 term.
  • Must be either an INCO, IR, POSC, IRGB, or IRGE major.
  • Must have completed IR 210, and at least one other IR 200-level methods course (if an IR major).
  • Based on merit.

Application Procedure:

Applications open: October 24, 2025
Deadline: November 7, 2025 at 11:59pm PST

To apply, please submit a completed Application Form to Akeya Harmon-Collins at akeyahar@usc.edu.

The following materials must be submitted as a single PDF:

  1. An updated CV or resumé that is tailored to this award.
  2. Research or Internship Proposal, including any additional sources of funding you may receive.
    • Internship Proposal: Identify the sponsoring organization, its mission, address, the name and contact information of the intern’s supervisor, the nature of the intern’s work, the number of weeks and hours per week, and explain why this internship would be valuable.
    • Research Proposal: Identify the research question and methods used, detail how you will use the funding to complete your research, include the number of weeks and hours per week, and explain why funding your research would be valuable.
  3. A budget that includes living expenses for the internship period and travel to and from the site.
  4. A STARS Report.
  5. Contact information for a USC Faculty member who can provide a recommendation.

For students applying for internship support:

In order to disburse the award, POIR will require a letter from the organization offering the internship to the student for the specified period. This letter should also agree to provide POIR with a simple report on the student’s work at the end of the internship.

You may submit an application that contains all of the materials except this letter and provide the letter if the grant is approved and you decide to accept it.