The College of Communication and Information has several philanthropic priorities that position our students for continued success:
Project Citizen — This critically-needed program addresses political polarization, civil discourse and divisiveness in U.S. media and politics. In partnership with Loyola Marymount University, Project Citizen offers project-based learning to help college students understand how stereotypes and other assumptions can lead to the misunderstanding of difference.Students learn from each other through team building and developing news stories in which they interview newsmakers, voters, political leaders and peers. In addition to their project work, students hear guest lectures from significant public figures who have an impact on shaping the civility of our discourse. Project Citizen is open to students from all majors at both universities to allow us to further develop the necessary interdisciplinary teamwork that society needs. Gifts support student travel and other expenses tied to their multimedia projects.
Scholarships — All students should have access to higher education and the brighter future that comes with a college degree. Our students have the desire to learn and the drive to be successful, but many need the financial support that scholarships provide. Our college and individual schools offer scholarships that will support students throughout their collegiate careers.
First Passport — While the benefits of studying abroad are immeasurable, the process can be daunting. Roughly 50 percent of students do not have passports when they first arrive on campus. Our first passport program reimburses students for the cost of obtaining their passport. Taking this first step toward global education activates a student’s imagination about global destinations and shows them we are invested in their success. More than 100 passports have been awarded to students since 2017.
Student Media — Our nationally-recognized Student Media outlets offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in all forms of news and entertainment media. Student Media is student-led and student-staffed and replicates professional media work environments. The 20th century digital disruption of all forms of media, including Student Media, means that a new funding model is required to sustain the award-winning work that our students produce. Nationally, non-profit news organizations are turning to philanthropic support to replace significantly declining ad revenue. Gifts to Student Media are vital for its future.