Summer Programs

As part of USC Summer Programs, USC Annenberg extends a tradition of excellence to outstanding high school students through its unique 4-week summer immersion courses. Accepted students will balance academic and campus life as they prepare for college in a global center for culture, media, entertainment and sports — Los Angeles, California.

Storytelling in the Digital Age

American democracy faces challenges felt in our communities and institutions. From the videotaped police murder of George Floyd on Memorial Day 2020, to a devastating pandemic, to many Americans rejecting the outcome of a fair election won by President Joe Biden, the foundation of our country is shaken.

Our communities’ responses to these challenges will inspire our month-long journey in journalism this summer. Individual and team-reported projects will highlight what’s working and what’s not. You’ll produce stories on a variety of topics, including politics, schools, race, equity, religion, the arts, and culture. Along the way, you’ll learn storytelling techniques for text, video and audio platforms. You will gain an understanding of the challenges and opportunities for journalists in the digital world.

Sports Journalism: Multi-Platform Storytelling

Learn multi-platform sports journalism at USC Annenberg in Los Angeles — the epicenter of sports media and entertainment, and home to an unparalleled combination of both professional and big-time college sports, including the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, Rams, Chargers, Kings, Sparks, Galaxy and expansion LAFC of MLS, and, yes, the USC Trojans! No city or region in America offers a stronger mix of sports at all levels, even high school — where the No. 1-ranked football team in the country, Mater Dei High from nearby Orange County, recently completed an undefeated championship season.

This four-week course emphasizes experiential learning and will combine hands-on, in-class assignments with field trips and in-studio production at the state-of-the-art USC Annenberg Media Center.