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.
USC’s Neighborhood Academic Initiative marks more than 1,500 graduating scholars since 1997
Strong representation in STEM majors and continued support for transfer students are hallmarks of the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
Bringing literary freedom to those behind bars: The USC PEP Readers’ Circle
Student and faculty volunteers provide typing, copyediting and proofreading services to people in custody through a program founded by a USC Dornsife alumna.
Student startup remedy addresses healthcare for unhoused
USC students gain funding for products that support portable medicine storage.
USC student turns knitting hobby into nonprofit that crafts caps for premature babies
Kathryn Huang and her family didn’t realize that the simple act of learning to knit would ultimately lead to an organization devoted to keeping babies warm in the neonatal ICU.
Price students help nonprofit dedicated to helping low-income youth go to college
Master’s students help put organization on solid financial footing using experience they gained at Price.
USC community fund distributes critical resources to neighbors in need
More than $81,000 was awarded to community programs that support local families impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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.