<p>In prior posts elsewhere on CC, I have referenced these two initiatives from USC and how they serve to strength the relationship with the surrounding community. Here’s a little snippet of information about them:</p>
<p>Fifteen years ago President Sample asked the faculty and staff of USC to join him in taking responsibility to improve the neighborhoods surrounding our two campuses. The USC community has responded to his challenge by raising more than $10 million in donations to the Good Neighbors Campaign (GNC) of which 365+ grants were awarded to USC community partners. This years campaign theme celebrates our collective success: Celebrating 15 Years of Helping Children Live Their Dreams.</p>
<p>Last year the College met with extraordinary success in surpassing our 50% giving goal to match a $1 million challenge of a generous alumna. Our giving improved from 26% in 2007 to 56% in 2008. Last year the College contributed $107,545 to GNC. Only one other academic unit exceeded this amount and only by $169. </p>
<p>With your help, we can show the strength and the support of the College for our nationally recognized Joint Educational Project, which since 1972 has had a profound impact on the lives of neighborhood children and on the service-learning culture of USC College.</p>
<p>For 37 years, JEP has placed more than 60,000 USC students in community assignments. Through these meaningful experiences they have learned first-hand about real life issues of poverty, immigration, educational inequalities and other concerns.</p>