The USC Schwarzenegger Institute believes one person has the power to improve the lives of others and change the world. While government and business leaders have a major impact on the direction of state and global policy, the importance of individual innovation and volunteerism is one of the most powerful forces in society.
The USC Schwarzenegger Institute also believes that students have the tremendous power to change world for the better. Time and again we have observed USC students throughout the world demonstrate their incredible power to improve the lives of others and to impact public policy.
The BE THE CHANGE initiative has three components:
- Spotlight Awards
- Supper Speaker Series
- Volunteerism
Spotlight Award
The USC Schwarzenegger Institute wishes to acknowledge students who are inspirational examples of the power of one person to make a difference and “BE THE CHANGE.” Our monthly “Spotlight Award” will feature a remarkable USC student and share their inspiring story of volunteerism and civic engagement.
The USC student’s volunteerism and civic engagement can be either on campus or off-campus.
The Prize
The “Be the Change” Spotlight Award winners will receive a $250 gift certificate to the USC Bookstore, a beautiful “certificate of recognition,” reserved VIP seating at the “Be the Change” Supper Speaker Series at the Town and Gown, and will be featured on our website.
We will also acknowledge the person or persons nominating the monthly winner by featuring the supporting essays on our website and by offering them reserved VIP seating at the “Be the Change” Supper Speaker Series at the Town and Gown.
The Nomination Process
Spotlight Awards will be selected for the following months during the school year:
- February
- March
- April
- September
- October
- November
Nominations must be submitted by fully completing the online nomination forum by the last Friday of the month and will be announced within 2 weeks after the deadline.
To nominate a USC student for the “spotlight award” complete the nomination form.
Nomination Form
We look forward to receiving great nominations. We will proudly shine spotlights on inspiring USC students who are living examples of how to “Be the Change” in today’s world.
Learn more about exceptional USC students who have been Spotlight Award Winners: http://schwarzeneggerinstitute.com/student-engagement
Supper Speaker Series
In partnership with the USC Undergraduate and Graduate Student Associations, the “ BE THE CHANGE” Supper Speaker Series will offer USC students an opportunity to hear from inspiring individuals who through their commitment to public service and civic engagement are demonstrating the power of one person to make a difference.
Each event will be held at USC’s beautiful Town and Gown and feature a conversation-style panel with 2-4 inspiring leaders discussing the importance of their work, project or organization. Speakers will also share how this experience not just betters the lives of others but enriches their own life, and how every single person, including every USC student, has the power to make a difference and help improve the world.
The cost of admission to USC students will be their commitment to volunteer time with one of a handful of respected local non-profit organization the Schwarzenegger Institute is partnered with.
Volunteer
Discussing innovative ways of helping your community is important but actually putting these discussions into action is vital. Through strategic partnerships with several area non-profit organizations, the USC Schwarzenegger Institute wants to provide students with substantive opportunities to help their community and make a difference.
