USC Institute for Technology Enabled Higher Education
USC-ITEHE

Initiatives and Programs

HELEN

DTEM

The USC DTEM program is designed to introduce community college students to a variety of disruptive technologies or simply disruptions that can create new markets and eventually displace previously established market leaders. Engineering and the other STEM fields are extremely high-performance and demanding environments that stretch the imagination of students. Thus, a major focus of this summer program is to expose students to a variety of frontier technologies, engineering tools and contexts, skills, disruptive engineering experiences, and the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset.

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Artificial intelligence & Semiconductor Chips

In this program, students will develop a good understanding of how a combination of technology innovation with semiconductor chips, big data, consumer behavior and entrepreneurship may lead to disruptive new industries and the growth of our economy.

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Ethics in Artificial Intelligence

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This program is designed to provide a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted ethical considerations inherent in the design, deployment, and impact of AI systems across diverse domains. By examining the intricate interplay between engineering designs, AI systems, society, and morality, students will gain a profound understanding of the ethical dimensions shaping design systems and the future of AI innovation. Through case studies and discussions, students will analyze real-world engineering design systems, develop ethical frameworks, and cultivate the ethical reasoning necessary for navigating the complexities of AI systems with integrity and social responsibility.

What we offer

The HELEN Program is under the auspices of the USC Institute for Technology Enabled Higher Education in collaboration with the LA Harbor College (LAHC).

The Higher Education Leadership Empowerment Network (H.E.L.E.N.) program is designed to empower community college students through the development of leadership skills and also, an understanding of professional networking. The objective is for students to develop self-confidence and commitment to follow through and achieve their career goals by transferring to a four-year degree college or university. The program will also focus on timeless lessons of leadership from the classical literature that provide a solid foundation of principles and practice in the modern world of globalization and technological achievements. Students will gain wisdom and rediscover the skills of some exemplary leaders of our times and throughout history as well as understand the importance of team work and social responsibility.

The HELEN Program will consist of 12 Sessions that will meet on a bi-weekly basis throughout the entire academic year. The sessions will take place virtually on Zoom or on the USC campus on Fridays from 10am to 12pm. At the end of the program there will be a class dinner and symposium with the students. Any books or literature references for the students will be provided for free.

Program Requirements

Intention to transfer to a four-year college/university
Faculty/Staff Nomination
3.0 Grade Point Average
24 Transferable Units completed by Spring 2020
Submission of a completed application

H.E.L.E.N. program participants must be able to commit for the entire academic year (2020-2021) and must be able to attend all class sessions.

Target Population

First-Generation Financial Aid Eligible (FAFSA, Dream Act, and LACP) students participating in any of the following programs:

APASS
ASO
CAFYES/NextUp
CARE
Champs
Dreamers
EOPS
Harbor Advantage
Honors Program
Puente
STEM STEP
UMOJA
Veterans

Increase underrepresented elementary students’ interest, confidence, and motivation to pursue STEM, particularly in Engineering and Technology disciplines.

Increase LAUSD teachers’ understanding of diverse engineering and technology fields, bolster their confidence to teach engineering and technology and utilize various technological tools in the classroom, and increase the level of which they value STEM education for their school community.

Cultivate and engage families and communities in STEM experiences to increase positive attitudes towards STEM and STEM education.