Scholarship Package Details

The program offers recipients a $15,000 per year merit scholarship for up to two years. This is distributed as $7,500 per semester and is a part of your financial aid package. While many students receive a university grant in addition to other aid, this scholarship will reduce loans and federal aid first, and then any university grant as the aid package will not exceed the combined cost of attendance and expected family contribution calculated by the Office of Financial Aid.

In addition to the scholarship, recipients may apply for a $2,000 technology stipend through the Office of Financial Aid. This money can be used to buy a laptop or desktop computer, peripherals like mouse and keyboard, and extended warranties.

Eligibility Criteria

The PHTS Program is looking for talented, hardworking students who have a strong drive to improve the world around them. In addition to meeting the admissibility standards of USC, applicants must also meet the following.

Minimum Requirements

• Must be eligible to complete their degree within two years, having earned at least 64 units of undergraduate courses from any combination of the nine institutions in the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD). Units obtained from a dual enrollment program during high school will not be considered for this program.
• Nominees should have declared a technology-focused major including but not limited to most STEM (Science Technology, Engineering, and Math) majors in Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, & Sciences or Viterbi School of Engineering; or Game Development and Interactive Design in the School of Cinematic Arts.
• There is no minimum GPA requirement but applicants must have demonstrated high proficiency in mathematics, including some Calculus, as well as strong performances in any other STEM courses that would indicate the ability to succeed in their chosen major.
• Demonstrate a strong interest in considering a tech-focused career either immediately following bachelor’s degree attainment or subsequent graduate studies.
• Evidence of resilience and determination

Preferred Requirements

• Extracurricular activities such as volunteering OR any evidence that explains why such experience was unattainable (e.g., financial circumstances required you to work to support your family instead of volunteering)
• Significant evidence of experience working with and valuing being a part of a team or other collaborative unit

Selection Process

USC transfer applications will be reviewed and those who fit our eligibility criteria will be invited as finalists for interviews. Nominations to receive the award will be based on the quality of the interview performance and a holistic review of academic preparation.

Interviews

We will invite up to 40 finalists to interview based on our internal application review. We will also invite the finalists to a Zoom information session to learn more about the program and answer any questions they may have about this opportunity.

The interview will be with a panel of two staff or faculty and will last approximately 20 minutes. Finalists will be evaluated on their communication skills, grit/determination, teamwork, intellectual curiosity, motivation, and availability for the month of July to participate in the mandatory Summer Launch Pad.

Nominations

We will select a number of nominees based on the available awards. Typically, this will mean enough nominees for 15 awards. Nominees will have about one week to accept the offer, which includes a commitment to attend the Summer Launchpad. Applicants should be sure not to commit to any summer plans that will make them unavailable during the month of July.