A Part of our Community
USC is a respectful neighbor and a thoughtful partner, and our research, outreach and policy advice are making a difference in the daily lives of people near and far.
(USC Photo)
Citizenship in the Community
USC doesn’t take its position as a leading institution in Los Angeles lightly. Every day, Trojans offer a helping hand in countless ways that make our community better.
Good Deeds from a Good Neighbor
USC’s experts offer well-considered advice, health services and more to help elected officials and other policymakers improve their communities.
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.
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.
Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic awarded $3M to upgrade facilities
The Specialty Dental Clinic Grant aims to improve access to oral health care for special-needs patients.
New partnership offers dental care to families experiencing homelessness
When housing is a challenge, dental care can often be neglected. USC’s new partnership with URM Angeles House is helping affected families, including those with young children.
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For parents without housing, the immediate priority is securing food, shelter, safety and warmth for their children.
USC Iovine and Young Academy, collaborators open engineering lab offering South L.A. youth a path to STEM careers
STORY, VIDEO AND PHOTOS: The new material science and engineering lab at the SoLa Foundation will prepare students for careers in aerospace, robotics, engineering and more.
Partnership puts USC Master of Teaching students and faculty into local classrooms
Theory is put to use in classrooms at 54th Street Elementary School.
Top Headlines
PODCAST: In the third installment of his podcast, USC’s interim president sits down with the former Google CEO to discuss the rapid evolution of AI and what it means for higher ed.
By tracking changes over time, they gained insights into how dietary choices may influence key biological processes.
Keck Hospital of USC and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital each received the top ranking from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit focused on patient safety.
With state-of-the-art putting greens and driving ranges, high-tech simulators give Trojans a complete overview of their game.
Community Impact Through Service, Research and Engagement
At USC, community impact begins with action—driven by students, faculty and alumni who bring their expertise and compassion to real-world challenges. From restoring a veteran’s smile to advancing health equity, empowering youth and supporting families after disaster, Trojans are creating meaningful change across Southern California and beyond.
Restoring Dignity and Confidence, One Smile at a Time
At the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, faculty and students joined forces to transform the life of a local veteran through free, comprehensive dental restoration. The project not only restored his health and confidence but also underscored USC Dentistry’s long-standing mission of compassionate care and community service.
Empowering South L.A. Youth Through STEM
The Iovine and Young Academy, in collaboration with the SoLa Foundation, launched an advanced engineering and design lab in South Los Angeles to spark curiosity and career pathways in STEM. The SoLA Materials Lab empowers hundreds of local students to experiment, create and imagine a future shaped by innovation.
Tracking Change, Amplifying Voices
For five years, USC Dornsife’s LABarometer has provided policymakers and researchers with a data-driven look at how Angelenos live, work and navigate challenges like housing and climate change. Led by sociologist Kyla Thomas, the initiative gives voice to residents whose experiences are shaping a more equitable Los Angeles.
Helping Children Heal After Disasters
USC Rossier experts explain how educators and community networks can play a critical role in helping children recover from traumatic disasters like the Los Angeles wildfires. By fostering emotional safety, empathy and connection, schools become vital spaces for resilience and healing.
50 Years of Student-Run Tax Support
For five decades, the USC Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has helped thousands of low- and moderate-income residents file returns at no cost. The student-run service provides real-world experience for USC Marshall students while delivering financial relief and peace of mind to families across Los Angeles.
![VITA students are giving back to the Los Angeles community. [Photo courtesy of VITA]](https://usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/jo_pic_1_i2xzzjveah-320x320.jpg)
Revealing Health Disparities in Disabled Families
Graduates of the USC Price School are leading research that uncovers major gaps in healthcare access for families with a disabled parent or child. Using national data and policy insight, these emerging scholars are advancing solutions to improve care delivery and promote health equity for households facing systemic barriers.
Spotlight: USC Iovine and Young Academy
The USC Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy offers a cutting-edge curriculum that fuses creativity, technology and innovation, preparing students to transform industries, create new ventures and impact society through collaboration with visionary peers and industry leaders.
Teaching, Learning and Working in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
As AI reshapes how we live and work, USC researchers are studying its real-world impacts and helping teachers, clinicians and professionals use new technologies with purpose, ethics and care.
Designing Safe and Ethical AI Chatbots for Health Care
TESOL in the Age of AI: Rethinking English Teaching for a Digital World
A Real-Time Look at How AI Is Reshaping Work
