Caldwell Neighborhood Scholars – Emeriti Center

MEET OUR SCHOLARS

In December 1965, shortly after the Watts riots, the late Russell L. Caldwell, a specialist in Early American history, a human rights activist, and the president of the USC Faculty Association, challenged his colleagues to support a positive new kind of demonstration at USC — a commitment to create a USC-to-neighborhood

“We seek your aid,” he outlined in his initial plea to USC staff and faculty, “in establishing FacultyStaff supported scholarships for worthy students in USC’s neighborhood who could not otherwise ever hope to attend USC.” He challenged his colleagues to “donate $5 or more per month through payroll deductions in order to raise $2000 a year to aid students.” relationship by providing scholarships for students from high schools surrounding USC.

The USC Neighborhood Scholarship, as it was then called, officially launched in 1966. Although the $2000 goal was not reached immediately, the first Scholarship was awarded the next year to Preston Mike, Jr., a 17-year-old mid-year graduate of Manual Arts High School. Mike received $549 to help pay for books and tuition and was granted additional awards until his graduation in 1972.

Professor Caldwell died in 1979, and at his request, the USC Retired Faculty Association became a sponsor of the scholarship. The RFA then voted to change the name to the Russell L. Caldwell Neighborhood Scholarship Program.

This month's Caldwell Scholarship Spotlight:

Here are this year’s amazing scholars!

John Recendez

Last updated 03/13/2023 John Recendez, a recent Dorsey High graduate, has declared a Business Administration major in the MarshallSchool of Business. He won an Honor...

John Recendez

Last updated 03/13/2023 John Recendez, a recent Dorsey High graduate, has declared a Business Administration major in the MarshallSchool of Business. He won an Honor Roll Award for maintaining a… Read More »John Recendez

Elsa Natalia Carrillo

Last updated 03/13/2023 Elsa Natalia Carrillo will be pursuing a degree in International Relations in USC’s Dornsife School of Letters, Arts & Sciences. In June 2022 she graduated from James… Read More »Elsa Natalia Carrillo

Jose M Zarate-Diaz

Jose Zarate Diaz

Last updated 03/13/2023 Jose Zarate Diaz is majoring in Biomedical Engineering with a Cellular-Molecular Emphasis in USC’s Viterbi School of Engineering. He graduated from Foshay Learning Center as Salutatorian of… Read More »Jose Zarate Diaz

Raul Torres, Jr.

Raul Torres, Jr.

Last updated 07/28/2022 Raul graduated from Huntington Park High School with honors from the Superintendent’s and Principal’s High Honor Rolls with perfect attendance. He was an active member his school’s… Read More »Raul Torres, Jr.

Michael Hernandez Garcia

Last updated 03/13/2023 Is completing his junior year at USC as a Mechanical Engineering major in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. During all four-years of high school he was… Read More »Michael Hernandez Garcia

Kevin Gomez

Last updated 03/13/2023 Kevin Gomez is a junior studying Public Policy, minoring in both Social Work and Juvenile Justice; and Law and Migration Studies. His role in the Boyle Heights… Read More »Kevin Gomez

Jada Salazar

Last updated 03/13/2023 Jada is majoring in Business Administration with an emphasis in Risk Management in USC’s Marshall School, and as part of Marshall’s Honors Program she will graduate with… Read More »Jada Salazar