Students Organizing for Literacy, Inclusion & Diversity

In summer 2012 two USC students became overwhelmed with the current state of education in the United States. Jacqueline Jackson, a communication graduate student from South Los Angeles and Rikiesha Pierce a sociology undergraduate from Richmond, CA came together to discuss what could be done to help shift the trajectory of minorities in education.
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After a summer of discussion the result was SOLID USC, Students Organizing for Literacy, Inclusion and Diversity. The organization is a community based organization focused on bridging the educational resource divide and minority achievement gap. By opening up the University of Southern California to students between the ages of 13 - 18 SOLID USC hopes to provide informal discussions, resources and research to propel the local community into engaging conversations on education for years to come. Currently SOLID USC has partnered with multiple outreach organizations in order to accomplish its mission of increasing minority interest and enrollment in higher education. ​
​​​This year alone, SOLID USC has partnered with USC's Joint Educational Project, The Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper and the Children Youth and Family Collaborative to lend support and resources to programs supporting disadvantaged youth and families of color. ​​​​​As 2013 approaches SOLID USC is focused on continuing its mission and hosting the 1st Annual SOLID USC College Conference on February 16, 2013.
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The conference will serve as an opportunity for the community that extends beyond USC's local service area to obtain access to the university and education enrichment materials. Students will not only come onto campus but be exposed to the wealth of resources that a world renowned institution like USC has to offer. Although the conference is the focal point for the top of the year, SOLID USC is also scheduling multiple panel discussions, poetry events and mentoring opportunities for the USC community. The possibilities are endless for this new organization, and it is clear that the greater Los Angeles community is looking forward to joining SOLID USC in the effort to change the lives of Los Angeles youth. ​
ABOUT US
The Mission & Vision for SOLID USC
SOLID USC at Watts 31st Annual Day of the Drum & Jazz Festival ​
