The USC President’s High-Tech Scholars (PHTS) is more than just a scholarship. It is a program designed to provide high-impact experiences and opportunities to pave the way for our Scholars’ success at USC and beyond.
Mission
Our mission is to empower innovative and ethical scholars to utilize technology for advancing humanity and creating a more inclusive and prosperous future. We envision a world where technology, guided by ethical and diverse minds, becomes the catalyst for a thriving and equitable society.
This program is designed specifically to support transfer students who intend to pursue technology-oriented majors and career paths. Leveraging the world-class faculty, staff, and resources at USC, this program can help exceptionally talented students grow, learn, and discover who they want to be.
Program Overview
The PHTS provides generous financial aid, and a wide range of program activities to help transfer students more seamlessly integrate into the USC community. Our programming focuses on supporting students’ academic attainment, personal growth & well-being, and their preparation for professional life.
Program Benefits
$15,000 per year scholarship grant (renewable for up to 1 additional year so long as you remain in good standing)
Summer Launchpad Residential program – a no-cost, four-week residential experience at the University Park Campus that includes workshops in AI, technical design and writing, introductions to many of the campus partners who support student success, team-building activities, fun outings to local attractions, and more.
A free laptop
A paid summer internship
High-Tech Scholars staff to provide bespoke programming, guidance, support, mentorship, and professional development during your time as a Scholar.
I serve as Director of the President’s High-Tech Scholars Program. In my role, I am responsible for all aspects of the program and for supporting scholars through their USC experience. I am also responsible for helping to coordinate the USC Student Success team, a group focused on success across all dimensions of the student experience comprising staff and faculty across campus.
What excites you most about the PHTS program?
I love the ability to support students as they transfer from our local community colleges to USC. This program enables students to explore what they love and gives them the tools to succeed academically, personally and professionally.
Fun Fact:
I love enamel pins, Disney ones and LA sports ones are my favorites to collect.
I am a senior studying aerospace engineering with a minor in technology commercialization and a PDP student pursuing a master’s in astronautical engineering. As an Assistant for the High Tech Scholars program, I will collaborate with the program director to manage events and provide support to ensure smooth operations. I will also serve as a mentor and resource for students, offering guidance and helping them navigate their academic and professional goals while fostering a supportive environment for their success.
What excites you most about the PHTS program?
What excites me most about the President’s High Tech Scholars program is its mission to empower transfer students in STEM by providing resources, mentorship, and opportunities for success. It also addresses the critical need for more opportunities and tailored support for transfer students, ensuring they have a strong foundation to thrive. Additionally, I look forward to meeting new students from diverse backgrounds, learning from their experiences, and building meaningful friendships along the way.
Fun Fact:
I wanted to be a train conductor as my full time job only because I thought they pull the chain for train stops and it seemed exciting to me. Took me 15 years to find out that’s not what they do and there are chains I can pull in public transportation buses and metros.
I am responsible for supervising the Director of the PHTS as well as the Directors of the Norman Topping Student Aid Fund and Academic Honors and Fellowships programs. I also co-chair the Student Success Team, a group dedicated to assuring that USC students succeed across all dimensions of the student experience.
What excites you most about the PHTS program?
What most excites me about the PHTS program is that it supports students as they learn how to develop groundbreaking technologies and can have an enormous impact on their educational and career journeys.
Fun Fact:
I have a pet Giant Schnoodle (Schnauzer x Poodle) that I have trained to follow over a dozen verbal commands and almost as many hand signals.
