Our Communities
In our shared history with Los Angeles, being a good neighbor has always been a priority. In that, we have founded projects and programs focused on positively affecting the surrounding neighborhoods. We have come together with local residents, community partners, civic leaders and area businesses to engage with our communities on a personal level.
Partnering With Our Communities
At the heart of our university lies a strong passion for fostering connections beyond classrooms and labs. The Trojan spirit flows through every corner of our campus, from neighboring residents, schools, departments and programs, to our caring hospitals and health centers. Together, we create a thriving community that nurtures inspiration and growth.
$35
Million Invested Annually
400+
Community Initiatives
15
Neighborhood Schools Supported
Powered by a Commitment to Community
USC places a high value on being a good neighbor. From helping young people realize their dream of a college education to assisting families with access to health resources, providing small businesses with key resources and more, being a Trojan means being part of a community.
USC in Action
USC University Relations supports and promotes more than 400 community initiatives in our local neighborhoods. Our community-building can be seen at every level of the university, encompassing our research facilities, individual schools, departments, programs, hospitals, health centers and more.
Have a heart: USC’s Chuck Murry gives third-graders a science lesson that’s either ‘cool’ or ‘eew, gross’
The head of USC’s stem cell program visits Vermont Avenue Elementary with heart in hand — literally.
Announcing USC’s Adoption of ChatGPT Edu
At USC’s recent AI Summit, we shared an exciting announcement: As part of our commitment to expanding equitable and responsible AI, ChatGPT Edu will be available for our university use in 2026. All active USC students, faculty, and staff (including Keck Medicine of USC) will gain unlimited access to ChatGPT Edu, which includes OpenAI’s most advanced models like GPT-5.
At 50, USC Dornsife’s Joint Educational Project shapes multiple generations of local families — and Trojans, too
JEP is one of the university’s most enduring initiatives, educating Trojans and serving community members for more than half a century.
Advancing USC’s AI Strategy Together
October 9, 2025 I am honored to chair the President’s AI Strategy Committee, which will bring together faculty and leaders from across USC to guide how we integrate artificial intelligence ethically and responsibly into our teaching, learning, and academic lives. As Interim President Kim has noted, this is a pivotal moment: AI is reshaping every aspect…
Announcing USC’s AI Summit and AI Strategy Committee
Every day, artificial intelligence becomes a more visible part of our lives — from how we learn and work to how we connect with each other. One of my top priorities as president is to harness USC’s opportunity to lead in the age of AI, and I’m pleased to announce two major initiatives that will guide how we integrate this technology across our academic mission in an ethical and responsible manner.
Inspiring first-generation students through math, college immersion
USC Rossier welcomes first group of students in its TOMMY (Teaching Outstanding Math to Migrant Youth) program.
Programs Snapshot
With a multitude of work that spans schools, storefronts, sidewalks, parks and more, here is just a peek at some ways Trojans work side by side with members of USC’s surrounding community on a daily basis. View more community engagement programs.
Good Neighbors Campaign
Neighborhood Academic Initiative
