USC Rossier’s Advancement efforts in 2025 continued to gain momentum, with $2.8 million raised to date, including $789,500 dedicated to scholarship support. These philanthropic investments are expanding access for students while advancing research and innovation that respond to the most pressing challenges in education.
A $445,000 estate gift from an alumna underscores the enduring commitment of USC Rossier’s alumni community. Designated for current-use general scholarships, the gift will provide immediate support to students, helping to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of educational opportunity.
USC Rossier also secured major foundation support for forward-looking research at the intersection of education and technology. A $200,000 grant from the Google Foundation supports Urban AI Unlocked, a project based at the USC EdPolicy Hub and led by Patricia Burch. The initiative aims to make artificial intelligence tools more accessible and effective for urban K–12 schools, with a particular focus on high-poverty and multilingual communities.
In addition, a $720,843 award from the Gates Foundation advances innovative work at the STEM Center, led by Yasemin Copur-Gencturk. The project will develop and evaluate an AI-based grading system for long-form mathematics responses that adapts to individual faculty grading styles, using large language models to support more consistent, scalable and equitable assessment.
Combined, these gifts reflect a shared commitment among donors, alumni and partners to expand opportunity, strengthen teaching and learning, and position USC Rossier at the forefront of educational research and innovation.
Yasemin Copur-Gencturk
- Associate Professor of Education
- Katzman/Ernst Chair for Educational Entrepreneurship, Technology and Innovation
- Co-Director of USC STEM Center
Patricia Burch
- Professor of Education
- Co-director of CEPEG
