Nationwide, universities are kicking off the fall semester in a virtually different way. The unusual circumstance, however, hasn't stopped the Iovine and Young Academy’s Class of 2024 from diving head-first into the next stage of their lives. Confident and curious, the freshman class (the seventh cohort since the Academy’s inception) is entering the Academy with optimism, a strong sense of community belonging, and a passion to design a better tomorrow. 

“The future is made from the things we do today,” says incoming freshman and tinkerer Charlie Geraci. Like many of his new classmates, Geraci is looking to the next four years as an opportunity to develop innovative ideas and products that will impact the world. 




The Academy welcomed students virtually this year. Pictured above is Patrick Dent, Assistant Dean of Curriculum and Associate Professor of Teaching and Technology.

Cohort 7 is a group of go-getters from across the globe who were selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants. Members of its roster have composed music with the LA Philharmonic, built a cryptocurrency wallet app, co-founded a nonprofit to help young girls develop career skills, started an apparel design company for tech clients and so much more. While every student’s story is different, they find common ground in their aspiration to design products, services and ideas that help others, which is more important now than ever. 

“I simply work to fix different problems I see in our world,” says Connie Xu, a passionate coder, blogger and self-declared almond milk enthusiast. 

In true Academy style, the students’ interests are diverse, ranging from developing AR experiences, traveling around the world, tinkering with code, setting up lighting for live events, playing music and cooking. 




A visualization of how Cohort 7 describes themselves
 
“I love coding, building apps and websites that both test my skills and help the people in my community,” says Valentino Andrewin, a jazz-loving freshman who hopes to dive into the gaming industry. 




Valentino will be joining the Academy this fall.

Along with Cohort 7, the Academy welcomes this fall the inaugural cohort for its new Master of Science in Product Innovation (MSPRIN) which teaches product design for the 21st century. Students will take their ideas from concept through prototyping, funding, manufacturing, marketing and distribution, while also envisioning new models for product-driven businesses. Last but not least, a new cohort for the Master of Science in Integrated Design, Business, and Technology joins the Academy to learn new ways of working, thinking, and collaborating to drive positive change for society. 

Classes at USC and the Academy officially begin August 17. Get ready to build something great.

IYA Class of 2024 Has Arrived