The Pulse of Innovation

It's not everyday someone tries to single handedly modernize an entire industry. Leimmi Zhang, a USC Iovine and Young Academy graduate student, has a vision and platform to upend the maritime industry.

Sophomore Kyla Rain sat down with freshman Cooper Breus to dive deep into stories about his unique upbringing, his ongoing side hustles, bringing Cohort 7 together online and more!

Senior Emily Stone came to IYA to find her island of like-minded misfit toys. Along the way, she’s built friendships, learned lessons and mastered how to swipe her key card without using her hands. Read on...

IYA freshman Shanna Finnigan is an artist with a passion for finding sustainable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems. An avid sketcher with an interest in venture management and computer science, Finnigan hopes to use her time at IYA to branch out...all while expanding her prized collection of stickers. Read on...

Dean Erica Muhl, an accomplished educator, composer and conductor, has been named the new president of the Berklee College of Music...

The Iovine Young Academy and Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism have partnered to create the News and Information minor, which will be open to all students starting Spring 2021.

From television studios to technology startups, MSIDBT student Candace Walker is a born entrepreneur who spins setbacks into new opportunities for success.

From memories of Cohort IV’s trip to Silicon Valley to connecting with professors and communities across USC, senior Michel Faliski reflects on her IYA journey with gratitude. But if you think you know Michel, there’s more than meets the eye. Read on…

As thousands of Americans gathered to commemorate the historic civil rights March on Washington on August 28, a social impact app quietly launched to honor the legacy of activism and empower the next generation of change makers...

It’s been a journey of self-discovery for senior Kyle Michel. Over the past four years, Michel has learned to throw conformity to the side and embrace his own brand of quirk. A masterful maker, Michel is creating a unique future...and some “bling” for your furry companions. Read on...

Hayden Steele, Allison Carmen and Ara Yardemian have built a company that aims to empower businesses with a focus on people, planet and prosperity.

Aside from button-mashing her way to the next boss, senior Annie Oh is up to a lot these days. The gamer and designer co-founded Playbook VR with Stephanie Ng, a platform that gives users a streamlined workflow to create VR experiences from scratch. As Oh prepares to level up into post-Academy life, she leaves freshmen with a few words of advice. Read on...