Give 4 Garnet 2023

First Generation and Summer Start Fund at CEC

At the College of Engineering and Computing, we know the key to innovation and discovery is diverse points of view. Supporting first-generation students advances our mission to solve the problems of tomorrow, and we're proud to offer this special group of students an opportunity to flourish, thanks to generous support from our donors. Help us set these students up for success during Give 4 Garnet 2023!

Currently in its second cohort, the CEC Summer Start and First Generation Scholars Program, is a one-of-a-kind program that has significantly moved the needle for our first-generation students. Built on exposure, conversations and connections, the program created a support network of like-minded individuals that pushed each other to succeed. 

The Summer Start program is a three-week residential experience designed to support first-generation students’ transitions to university life. It has shown great success with its first two cohorts. CEC Summer Start students have had a significantly higher GPA than all CEC freshmen, and a higher retention rate than all first-generation CEC freshmen.
 
This program is only possible because of loyal USC donors. We need your help to continue to open doors for additional students. Thank you for helping prepare these students for productive careers in engineering related fields and futures as educated, influential citizens and leaders!