Program description	If anyone has doubts that 'inner city kids' can compete scholastically or socially, they need to see the University of Southern California's Neighborhood Academic Initiative Pre-College Enrichment Academy. This program is designed for students living in the surrounding neighborhood who have the educational desire, but not the exposure or necessary skills to perform in a university. The years of hard work are rewarded with a fully-paid (no loans) scholarship, including housing, at U.S.C. upon qualification (3.0 GPA, 1000 SAT score). With support, motivation and tools, every student can succeed is the philosophy that guides the program.
Typical day of scholar	The scholars begin each day on the University campus, experiencing 'college life', while taking English and Math. Special attention is paid to note-taking, time management, pre-writing and expository writing. At 9:30am the scholars are transported to Manual Arts for their remaining classes (a full array of college preparatory classes). U.S.C. student mentors provide academic assistance in an after-school tutoring program. Licensed mental health professionals provide weekly professional counseling designed to help the scholars adapt to the rigors of academic life, as well as avoiding the pitfalls of teenage social life.
Saturday Academy provided enrichment	AETNA/Saturday Academy, provides enriched instruction in Language Arts, Computers, Mathematics and Science. High School students receive intensive SAT training. After Saturday classes, scholars enjoy an all-you-can-eat lunch in a U.S.C. residence hall.
Parent involvement an important factor of success	Children succeed when their parents get involved in the development and educational process. The Family Development Institute, provides families with information and tools to enhance the quality of their lives, while adapting to their children's educational needs. Classes held on Saturday mornings in English and Spanish cover diverse topics including personal finance, parenting, cultural diversity, human sexuality, problems of the adolescent, job interviewing skills. Each class is taught by current and emeritus U.S.C. faculty.
University resources made available to scholars	Tapping into the resources that a major university offers affords the opportunity to participate in specially-designed activities including academics (writing seminars, university classes, internationally renowned speakers) and athletics (tennis, soccer, football, volleyball), and culture (museums, theaters, Hollywood Bowl, parks, beaches, and more).
Class of '97 stats	Of the 1997 senior class, 19 scholars have met the requirements of U.S.C. and will be enrolling with their full scholarship in September. Twenty-five others have been accepted to other 4 year institutions including UC's, Cal State U's, and others...with the ability to transfer into U.S.C. in the future.
Choices for the future	This program provides choices for the future...for students and their families. It requires commitment, dedication and a willingness to say 'no' to the dysfunction that permeates much of our society. It is a tough program, but offers great reward! Currently available on 'C-track'. U.S. citizenship or permanent residency with proof of green card required.

Academies and Special Programs