12 students sit by a riverbank with the US Capitol building in the background

Empowering USC Students in Washington, D.C.

The Leslee Sherrill Scholarship provides financial support for students participating in academic and co-curricular experiences at the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. The Scholarship honors USC alum and former USC Washington Program participant, Leslee Sherrill, who went on to have a distinguished career as a White House staffer, public policy institute director, ABC news senior executive, and USC presidential advisor. Building on her passion for USC’s Washington programs, the Leslee Sherrill Scholarship provides students with the opportunity to pursue a transformative experience in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re attending a summer program, spending a semester in the capital, or taking part in a conference or symposium, this scholarship can help make your experience possible.

Funding may be used to cover travel, lodging, tuition, housing, living expenses, or other eligible expenses related to your study in D.C.

Preference is given to students who are enrolled in the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, and who participate in programs and events offered by the USC Center for the Political Future. 

Interested students can apply for the scholarship through Scholarship Universe. Students will be asked to describe how their interests and needs align with the Leslee Sherrill scholarship. They must also submit their resume. 

Apply here.

Applications for USC First Semester in D.C. students are open from now through July 1, 2025. 

Please contact capitalcampus@usc.edu with questions.