Now in its second year, the Wallis Annenberg Scholars Program provides academically promising students from lower socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to participate in project-based summer seminars at USC.  The program offers a learning environment in which these students can grow as scholars and individuals, and be motivated to achieve higher academic, social and ethical standards.  By exposing them to life on the USC campus, the Scholars are given a chance to:

• See beyond their home environment in order to enrich their educational experience and explore post-secondary opportunities;
• Develop interpersonal skills by interacting with other students from diverse backgrounds;
• Recognize that personal ethics form the cornerstone for all success.

“I am so proud to introduce these very special students from around the country to the academic vigor of USC and the numerous cultural offerings to be found in the Los Angeles area,” said Wallis Annenberg, vice president, The Annenberg Foundation.  “Our hope is that after spending a few weeks in an academically- and self-enriching environment, our Scholars will return to their hometowns knowing that the possibility of attending college is no longer a dream, but a definite reality.” 

The 27 returning juniors who successfully completed the program last year have been invited back this year to reinforce the academic and personal goals the students set last summer; and to continue to encourage their collegiate and career aspirations.   For the new students, the four-week program will provide a first look at college life, from selecting courses to living in the dorms, to meeting other students from vastly different backgrounds.  In addition, for many it will be their first chance to take part in an important life experience outside of the immediate area where they have grown up.

"My attitude towards my return to the Annenberg Scholars program hosted by USC was one of excitement and gratefulness.  I am excited to take an art course this year, and my invitation back to the program was like a prescription to a sunken heart,” said Raymond "Steven" Muga, a returning Annenberg Scholar from the Los Angeles area.  “I expect much from this summer, in expectations for art and meeting more people. I can most definitely say this summer and last have been and will be some of the greatest summers of my life."

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The 2002 Scholars Program provides participants with the opportunity to select one course of college study taught by USC faculty, and receive three units of college credit upon completion.  The first-year scholars choose from a selection of six seminars, including: Acting, Studio Art, Art and Architecture, Engineering, Introduction to Film, and Introduction to Parliamentary Debate.  Returning scholars may choose from the previously mentioned courses, and additional course offerings including At-Home on Planet Earth, Introduction to Film Graphics, Musical Theater, Screen Writing, SummerDance and Technical Theater. Throughout the summer, students work toward completing a comprehensive final project, which they will present to their peers at the program's conclusion as a summary of what they have learned.  

The program also includes a college admission component and students will receive advice and feedback on the college application process--from applications to essays to interviews.  Finally, students will get a taste of Los Angeles culture by attending classical concerts and taking fieldtrips to museums and other places of interest.

This opportunity, including tuition, food, housing, laptop computers and fieldtrips, is fully funded by a generous grant from The Annenberg Foundation.  The Wallis Annenberg Scholars Program grew out of the $500 million Annenberg Challenge initiative, which sought to improve K-12 public school teaching and learning across the country.  For more information about the Wallis Annenberg Scholars Program, please contact the Annenberg Foundation's Los Angeles office at 310-209-4560.