Description and Program Goals
The President’s High-Tech Scholars Program is designed to help transfer students from local Community Colleges thrive at USC. Our program offers unique developmental opportunities shaped by our four pillars: diversity, resilience, integrity, and professionalism.
Program Goals
The High-Tech Scholars Program has four key mission goals to support the success of our students and build new pathways to tech-focused careers for local community college transfer students:
- Recruit and select talented, tech-interested students from local community colleges through a competitive process
- Support the transition to USC via the Summer Launchpad Program
- Provide direct mentorship and connect students with any appropriate resources to support their flourishing
- Share best practices with university and external partners
Sample Workshops
We partner with world-class collaborators at USC to provide a variety of high-impact workshops to help you develop tools for success. Examples include:
A.I.
Artificial Intelligence is currently reshaping our world in ways similar to the advent of the internet itself. We will host workshops to help students learn how to work and innovate with this rapidly evolving technology.
Third Space Thinking
Leaders in technological fields identified a set of so-called “soft skills” that are crucial for success. High-Tech Scholars will work with the Third Space Thinking Center at Annenberg to help cultivate these skills in preparation for a successful career.
Cleanroom Nanofabrication
Modern technology and research is built upon microelectronics and computer processors. Learn how to fabricate these essential components and gain the skills to innovate next generation technologies.
Academic Year Support (mentoring, networking, etc.)
Beyond the Summer Launchpad, Scholars are expected to participate in a variety of programming and social activities that are academically, personally, and professionally enriching.
General Programming
- Monthly cohort activities to maintain relationships built over the summer.
- Sessions with Student Health, Career Services, and others to continue preparing the Scholars to thrive in their degree programs and beyond.
Advising/Coaching
- The Scholars will be asked to meet with a program staff member at least once per month for check-ins and mentoring. Ad-hoc meetings outside of this schedule will be available as well for those who may need additional support.
- We will work with Academic Advising (both exploratory and school-specific advisors) to ensure that the Scholars’ academic plans and progress are sufficient to complete degrees within four semesters.
Networking
- We will host a series of events, such as the Welcome Reception planned for this summer, and visits to ICT and ISI to connect with various faculty across multiple campuses.
- We will also take advantage of the myriad events hosted by various schools and Career Services throughout the academic year.
Research Opportunities
- Scholars will have research opportunities at Silicon Beach campuses (Playa Vista and Marina del Rey) both in the summer and during the academic year.
- They will also be able to take advantage of our entrepreneurial infrastructure (e.g., Viterbi Startup Garage at ISI) to begin exploring opportunities to innovate and create at scale.
- Partner with Silicon Beach companies to set up internship and recruiting opportunities.