Welcome, creators, innovators, and game-changers in the making! A new class of freshmen has officially descended upon campus, set to take on a new and momentous chapter in their lives. The USC Iovine and Young Academy welcomes its biggest cohort ever – 42 exceptional students with diversified interests, backgrounds, and dreams on a trailblazing path to further discovering their academic potential and creative individuality. 

Hailing from all over the United States and across the globe, Cohort 9 represents countries including China, Indonesia, Japan, Canada, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. 74% of the class are students of color, and under-represented minority populations account for 17% of the group. 

A legion of fascinating interests and objectives abound in this versatile group of dynamic minds, intersecting design, technology, and entrepreneurship. Drawn to an interdisciplinary environment that values inclusive community, critical thinking, and creativity without constraints, these multifaceted freshmen are on the cusp of immersing themselves in real-world challenges and hands-on learning that will prepare them for the careers and experiences of tomorrow. 

What are these freshmen looking forward to throughout their academic journeys? Paris Little hopes to get out of her “comfort zone,” while Tara Sandman-Long says she “wants to exist in a space where ideas and ambition can be etched into the walls."

 "I want to be the one to bring the hammer and chisel. Most of all I’m excited to be in a place where there are no limits, no constraints and no teachers to say ‘this isn’t possible, go back to the drawing board,'” says Sandman-Long. 

“I'm looking forward to being surrounded by people who enjoy what they do – who are passionate, willing to take risks and learn from each other. The Academy seems like a place where everyone brings something different to the table, and I just can't wait to be in that environment,” Cohort 9’s Henry Warren expresses. Jaden Steinhoff focuses on learning “to lead, collaborate with, and inspire other creatives.”

Collaboration is key for these young innovators, who anticipate working together to make magic happen. Even though they’re just getting to know one another, the possibilities are seemingly limitless, and they are constructing connections even before physically hitting the USC ground. (Word on the street – thanks to freshman Sheila Wang – is that Cohort 9 students had an active group chat prior to the school year start). 

Cohort 9 is off to a promising start. We are honored to welcome this class of students’ unique perspectives, talents, and ideas, and continue to be inspired by their quests for meaningful innovation. We can’t wait to see their visions come to life at the Academy. 

The USC Iovine and Young Academy welcomes its biggest cohort ever – 42 exceptional students with diversified interests, backgrounds, and dreams

Freshmen Enter the Academy Eager to Forge Their Futures