STORY, VIDEO and PHOTOS: USC’s signature college prep program is sending all 89 of its 2026 graduates to colleges this fall — with more than half becoming Trojans.
Trojans reflect on USC’s premier college-access program, the Neighborhood Academic Initiative, as it celebrates its 35th year.
The program — USC’s signature college preparatory effort — gives students who live near USC’s campuses the skills to succeed in college and beyond.
USC’s signature college prep program sends all 95 of its 2025 graduates to colleges this fall — with more than half of the graduates heading to USC.
Students from Audubon Middle School and Obama Global Prep represented the next group of area kids who will benefit from a partnership between their respective schools and the USC program.
More than half of the graduates of the university’s signature college prep program will be attending USC in the fall, and all will be going to college.
Gift from college access program’s namesakes, Leslie and William McMorrow, fund classrooms.
This year’s gala honors a class of scholars who bonded during trying times to help one another succeed as they progressed through the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
TITLE IX: Kim Thomas-Barrios’ career has been dedicated to helping students pursue a college education and achieve their dreams.
Strong representation in STEM majors and continued support for transfer students are hallmarks of the USC Leslie and William McMorrow Neighborhood Academic Initiative.
