Our Vision:
A student’s social and economic background will NOT inhibit their access to and success in higher education.

2022-2023 NTSAF Governing Board

About The Governing Board

The Norman Topping Student Aid Fund (NTSAF) is the only student initiated, student funded, primarily student administered scholarship in the nation. The Topping Fund is administered by a Governing Board composed of ten general student representatives, one each from USG and GSG, one current Topping Scholar, one current Topping Fellow, two USC alumni, one faculty member, and representatives from the offices of Admission and Financial Aid. The Governing Board selects the scholars every year and oversee the long-term policies and procedures of the NTSAF.

Governing Board selection takes place in the fall of each academic year. The number of appointments is dependent upon the number of open representative seats. Terms of appointments range based on representative status. Board members attend the annual Fall Governing Board Retreat, usually held in late September or early October, and monthly Governing Board meetings throughout the year. Board members should ideally also be available during the summer months for scholarship application reading, interviewing and scholar selection.

Students interested in serving on the Governing Board in should contact the NTSAF office. Benefits of being a student representative include:

  • Service to the university and local community
  • Interaction with incredible applicants and current Topping Scholars.
  • Recruitment and outreach experience
  • Networking with student leaders, faculty and staff

Message From the Chair

Dear Topping Family,

Welcome Back! After more than a year online, it feels great to be back on campus and see our new and returning students in the Topping lounge. Our commitment to stand with our Topping students is just as strong as it was 50 years ago when the Fund was established to address inequities in higher education. USC has made considerable strides toward this goal; yet, the scholarship and community provided by NTSAF is just as essential now as it was in the 1970s, as systemic racism and poverty exacerbated by the pandemic continue to burden our students.

This school year, the Governing Board and the NTSAF staff will come together with fierce determination and resolve to do best by our Topping Scholars, Fellows, and alumni. We are eager to support you in this hybrid academic environment and committed to cultivating re-connection within the Topping family. Please always reach out if there is anything the Fund can do for you.

Sincerely,
Hannah Franco
2021-2022 Governing Board Chair