Programs & Services
NTSAF Goals
The NTSAF strives to encourage and support Scholars and Fellows in their academic achievements as well as their involvement in community service. The ultimate goal of the Fund is to help develop a sense of community within the university for all Scholars and Fellows. To achieve this goal, the NTSAF provides the following services to the Topping Scholars and Fellows:
- Create a deepened sense of community among Topping Scholars and Fellows
- Promote and maintain the original spirit of the fund
- Encourage Topping Scholars and Fellows to eagerly embrace the responsibility of student service at the University of Southern California
- Maintain the integrity of the Governing Board as being primarily student administered
First-Year Transition Program (FYT)
The mission of the NTSAF First-Year Transition (FYT) Program is to support the transition of incoming Topping Scholars during their first semester at USC.
Signature Events in the Fall
Topping Leadership Conference
The Topping Leadership Conference is an opportunity for incoming and continuing scholars and fellows to build community, develop leadership skills, and establish personal and academic goals, establish personal and academic goals to kick off the school year. Students will attend workshops led by campus partners on a variety of topics including, but not limited to, financial aid, well-being, the job search, academic integrity, and making connections on campus.
Trojan Trailblazers
Trojan Trailblazers, hosted in collaboration with the First Generation Plus Success Center, are a series of events that allow students to engage with faculty, staff, and industry leaders. Students are able to meet a diverse group of speakers, hear about their academic and professional journeys, and ask critical questions about topics such as research and job searching.
Signature Events in the Spring
Topping Graduate Celebration
For over 50 years, NTSAF has celebrated the achievements of Topping Scholars and Fellows through the Annual Topping Graduate Celebration, where graduating students gather with family and friends to honor their accomplishments at USC.
Faculty-Student Luncheon
Faculty members play an integral part in the retention and success of college students. As such, our luncheon serves as an opportunity for students to interact with faculty members outside of the classroom in a comfortable environment.
Events Throughout the Year
Community Service Hours
To encourage Topping Scholars and Fellows to eagerly embrace the responsibility of student service at USC, they are required to complete 20 hours of community service each semester. From tutoring students in neighboring elementary schools to providing support through such programs as the USC Mobile Clinic and local homeless shelters, Topping Scholars and Fellows offer hundreds of hours of service to the communities surrounding the University Park and Health Science campuses.
Advising
Topping Scholars and Fellows meet with a Topping advisor at least once per semester. During these advising sessions, Topping Scholars and Fellows work on short and long-term goal setting and receive referrals to campus partners to discuss matters related to academics, financial aid, career planning, and overall well-being.
Exceptional Funding Program
The purpose of the Exceptional Funding Program is to provide financial assistance to Topping Scholars and Fellows as they advance in their chosen field of study. Exceptional Funding encourages Scholars and Fellows to take full advantage of University sponsored opportunities to enhance their higher education experience. Such opportunities include funding for conference travel, study abroad airfare, and exam fees.