I am a current USC student benefiting from the Academic Achievement Award (AAA). Like many of my peers, I have been relying on AAA to fund my education and make my dreams of being a multi-hyphenate student (USC's favorite phrase) possible. AAA is an award that students can apply for to cover extra units needed for degree requirements over the usual 18 (up to 21) if they have a GPA above 3.75. However, USC's recent decision to revoke AAA has put an extreme financial strain on families like mine and made graduation tracks near impossible for many students.

This decision disproportionately affects students of color and those from low-income backgrounds - it's classist and elitist. Many students factored in AAA when deciding what major and minor tracks to pursue; it was a lifeline that enabled us to pursue our academic goals without the burden of crippling debt. 

We are calling on USC administration not only to reconsider their decision but also ensure that all current students who had factored AAA into their plans receive the opportunity to apply for the funds they were promised.
We urge you to stand with us against this unjust policy change by signing this petition today. Together we can make sure that every student, not just the wealthy ones, get the opportunities they have worked so hard for at USC.

Email the USC Board of Trustees (botchair@usc.edu) to make sure your voice is heard.