New USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program set to launch

The inaugural USC in D.C. Spring Semester Program, anchored at USC’s Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., is ready for launch, with the program accepting applications until Sept. 19.

An evolution of the USC Dornsife in D.C. program, USC in D.C. provides sophomores, juniors and seniors from all majors the opportunity to live, work and learn in the nation’s capital. Over the course of the spring semester, students will continue to make progress toward their degree while completing an internship in one of D.C.’s most well-known industries — including government agencies, think tanks, media and communications organizations, law firms and advocacy groups.

The newly unified program, which is expected to have around 60 participants, will begin in January and is hosted in collaboration with the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism; the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; the USC Gould School of Law; and the USC Price School of Public Policy.

“All roads run through D.C.,” USC Capital Campus Executive Director Elyse Levine said. “No matter their school or major, students can benefit from studying, interning and living in the capital. That’s why we’re so excited to launch this reimagined program with an interdisciplinary approach that connects USC students to D.C.’s many industries, experts and opportunities.”

A hallmark of the program will be the close-knit nature of the interdisciplinary cohort, supported by expert faculty mentors who facilitate engaging learning experiences in and out of the classroom.

The program offers USC students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the nation’s capital and to take part in an academically rich and socially engaging experience. Students will also have access to the vast Trojan alumni network in the D.C. region and the chance to attend and participate in events at the Capital Campus. The program also ties into the university’s focus on preparing and encouraging students to understand and appreciate ideological differences in myriad situations.

The program lets participants live and learn together while allowing each student to pursue their independent academic path. As part of the program, students will take classes in dedicated academic “tracks,” which include politics and international relations, public policy, legal studies, and political communication. All participants will take the class “How Washington Works” with renowned political analyst, former NBC Meet the Press host and USC Capital Campus Scholar-in-Residence Chuck Todd that provides an insider’s understanding of American politics and the political system.

All students will be expected to secure an internship as part of the program, Levine said. “Combined with the academic element, these internships will have a transformative impact on students’ lives, helping them gain confidence, build their professional skills, network and identify future career opportunities,” she added.

Students will receive support from the USC Career Center, their school career center and the Capital Campus as they apply for internships.

In addition to USC financial aid normally offered during the academic year, students participating in USC in D.C. have access to two dedicated scholarships: the Epstein Family D.C. Student Experience Scholarship and the Leslee Sherrill Scholarship. These scholarships provide students with general financial support to cover travel, lodging, tuition, housing, living expenses or other eligible expenses related to their studies in D.C.

The program is one of many new programs launching at the Capital Campus in the current academic year, including the First Semester in D.C. Program that began this fall, a future summer program and others.