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.
Building Communities the USC Way
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.
Voters underutilizing free tool to track status of vote-by-mail ballots, USC report finds
Less than one-third of voters used the free BallotTrax tracking tool in 2022, USC Price’s Center for Inclusive Democracy says.
How can we make AI more humanlike — and how far should we go?
Researchers at USC’s Information Sciences Institute are exploring the possibilities of creating chatbots that are more conversational and humanlike.
Half-matched family donors offer best outcomes for Hispanic patients undergoing bone marrow transplants
A USC study may open life-saving opportunities for Hispanic patients, who are one-third less likely to find a fully matched donor from the national registry than white patients
Does music unlock memory?
USC faculty are getting closer to understanding what happens in your brain when you hear a familiar song — which could affect those struggling with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
USC study reveals role of iron in allergic asthma and points to potential new therapies
USC researchers found that iron is a key regulator of energy usage by immune cells in the lungs and that targeting iron uptake could help treat asthma and other allergic diseases.
Age-related brain changes influence recovery after stroke
A groundbreaking study led by USC researchers offers new insights into stroke recovery, revealing that changes in brain white matter significantly affect how well individuals recover motor abilities following a stroke.
How can we make AI more human-like — and how far do we go?
Researchers at USC’s Information Sciences Institute are exploring the possibilities of creating chatbots that are more conversational and human-like.
Meet the graduating senior who’s been leading USC’s Liquid Propulsion Lab
COMMENCEMENT: Soon to launch into a career at one of the nation’s top space companies, graduating student Danetti Martino has already gained ground as lead engineer of one of the nation’s top student rocketry labs.
A farm girl at heart, USC Marshall graduate finds fit in sustainability innovation
COMMENCEMENT: Laurel Rankin, a master of science in social entrepreneurship graduate, follows her entrepreneurial spirit to create impact.
Keck Medicine of USC earns ‘LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality Leader’ designation
The university’s hospitals and USC Student Health earn the top score in the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2024 Healthcare Equality Index.
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.