The Price School of Public Policy will also create a summer internship program that will give students the chance to solve real-world problems in Southern California.
June 30, 2025 – The USC Price School of Public Policy will launch a $20 million scholarship program this fall covering up to 100% of tuition for graduate students focused on improving the quality of life of people in underserved communities in Southern California.
The new scholarship program – called the Price Scholars for Community Enrichment – will kickstart a comprehensive fundraising effort by USC Price to make graduate study accessible for qualified applicants who may not have considered pursuing an advanced degree due to high costs and other barriers.
This program underscores the belief that affordable education is essential to building the next generation of public servants, nonprofit leaders and healthcare administrators.
Additionally, the Price School plans to launch a school-wide summer internship program by the same name in 2026 that will give students the chance to tackle real-world problems in Southern California.
“The Price School is committed to expanding access to our top-tier graduate programs and career opportunities that allow students to fully engage in academic rigor without the burden of economic unknowns,” said Chris Boone, Dean and C. Erwin and Ione L. Piper Chair of the USC Price School. “The Price Scholars for Community Enrichment program will open doors for brilliant and passionate students who want to make a difference. It will also create a talent pipeline for Southern California organizations that are already working to improve the lives of people in our communities.”
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Find Out MoreFunding for both programs is made possible by Price Philanthropies Foundation, a family foundation started by Sol Price, the retail entrepreneur, philanthropist and namesake of the USC Price School.
“The new Price Scholars for Community Enrichment program helps further our mission of improving life opportunities for people and their communities,” said Robert Price, President of Price Philanthropies Foundation. “We hope these scholarship and experiential learning opportunities provide the education and connections students need on their path to impactful careers that improve our communities for all.”
The ideal scholarship candidates will have made deep connections and contributions to their communities and an interest in researching, working in, and/or supporting communities in Southern California after graduation. Students planning to enroll in the in-person Master of Urban Planning, Master of Public Administration, Master of Public Policy, Master of Health Administration or Master of Nonprofit Leadership & Management programs are eligible.
Building upon its commitment to experiential learning, the Price Scholars for Community Enrichment program will provide paid, 10-week summer internships for Price School students dedicated to making an impact in communities across Southern California. The internship will allow Price students to learn by doing, preparing them for future career success.
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Find Out More“We are grateful to Price Philanthropies for this generous allocation of funds, which will create opportunities for high-achieving scholars and young community leaders,” Boone said. “The Price School will continue to work hard to secure more funding to ensure every Price student – including undergraduate and PhD students – has access to internships, capstone and practicum projects to prepare them for jobs in organizations that need Price talent the most.”
Applications for the Price Scholars for Community Enrichment program open in September and will be found on the USC Price Funding Your Education page at: priceschool.usc.edu/admission/scholarships.
About the USC Price School of Public Policy
Founded nearly a century ago, the USC Price School of Public Policy is a distinguished institution dedicated to improving quality of life worldwide. The USC Price School is consistently ranked among the nation’s top public affairs schools and was ranked No. 3 by U.S. News & World Report in 2025. The USC Price School combines rigorous education, evidence-based research and interaction with community leaders to solve major challenges.
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