USC Career Center Impact Scholarship

We offer a monetary award to undergraduate students who secure unpaid, summer internships:

• Application Instructions – For students graduating between December 2026 – May 2029

This scholarship provides$2,500 to selected, continuing undergraduate students pursuing unpaid summer internships (minimum 6 weeks). Students must be enrolled at the time they apply as well as for the Fall semester following summer.

Eligibility: Undergraduate students must meet at least one of the following:

• Demonstrate financial need
• Be completing their first career-focused internship
• Secured an internship in a non-profit or government organization

Application Deadline:

• Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM PST
• Notification by Friday, May 1, 2026

Application Process (2 Steps):

• Complete an Online Application through USC’s Scholarship Universe platform
• Upload Supplemental Documents on Handshake Job ID #10349281 
  • Current Resume
  • STARS Report 
  • Personal Essay: (1 page, single-spaced, 10 pt. font) Explain your academic program, eligibility, internship details, and how this experience will impact your education and career. 
  • Internship Job description (from your supervisor/organization)
  • Sample budget for scholarship use

Student Testimonials

Our partner program contributes to the Career Center’s efforts to provide meaningful career resources. This scholarship aims to assist students by financing career exploration for those who have been unable to partake in these experiential learning opportunities. Students offered the following insight into their experience:

Madison interned at the District Attorney’s Office; Business Administration Major; Class of 2027 

“The scholarship allowed me to reaffirm my interest in pursuing law school by providing me with the opportunity to explore my passions without finances being an issue. I not only enjoyed but really loved my experience. I have made relationships that will last long into the future and build a network of highly skilled and kind individuals I know I can call on. This has truly been the most rewarding summer ever!”

Anna interned at the USC Arcadia Hospital; Public Policy Major; Class of 2026

“Thanks to the scholarship, I was able to fully immerse myself in this experience and brought me clarity in my career goals. It strengthened my commitment to improving the patient experience and advocating for vulnerable populations to get the healthcare access they deserve.”

Tiffany interned at the LA County Economic Development Corporation; Political Science Major; Class of 2027

“This summer has been nothing short of fantastic and allowed me to expand my knowledge in ways that I didn’t expect. I attended networking events, made new friends (colleagues), and have a better idea of how to shape my future. I would love to combine my curiosities in academics and the fast pacedness of industry. I also met amazing people and learned about career paths. I learned just as much from the staff as my actual tasks. “

Additional Opportunities