Often reviled for its gritty neighborhood, the University of Southern California is reaching out to its surrounding communities and putting forth initiatives to bridge the town-gown divide and spur economic development.
"When President Sample arrived 14 years ago he said that he wanted USC to be a leader in its local community. And, while he talks about Los Angeles and the Southern California region, he specifically wanted USC to become a good, responsible neighbor for residential communities around our University Park campus and our Health Sciences campus."
"He drew an imaginary circle that encompasses the neighborhoods in about a seven to ten block radius and said that USC would focus its resources and its work within this area. He wanted to embark on initiatives that would increase the educational attainment of the children in the area, help provide employment for the adults in the area, and increase the safety of children going to and from their schools, parks, etc."
"One of our efforts over the last few years has been to attract developers who would build student housing on the corridors to draw our students out of the residential community. This is a discussion that we have had with residents, with the CRA, with advocates for renters' rights, with folks concerned with the renters who generally don't have the wherewithal to own homes, and with people who purchase multiple homes."
Thanks to Josh Stephens
FULL STORY: USC Looks Beyond Ivory Tower to Revitalize & Engage Surrounding South L.A. Communities
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