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USC Marshall Undergraduate Scholars Program Provides Mentorship to Inspire Careers in Social Impact

USC Marshall Undergraduate Scholars Program Provides Mentorship to Inspire Careers in Social Impact

USC Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab links social impact professionals with students across campus for intensive mentorship workshop.

by: Avni Shah
02.25.25
Students working together on campus

The Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab is helping students find their mentors.

[USC Photo]

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The USC Brittingham Social Enterprise Lab (BSEL) at USC Marshall School of Business is celebrating the 15th year of its social impact-focused mentorship program, BSEL Undergraduate Impact Scholars. The program, launched in 2010, convenes select juniors and seniors who are interested in careers in social impact to participate in a nine-month cohort experience. All majors across USC are eligible to participate, with emphasis on students’ interest and track record in creating social impact in their area of study or passion.

“The BSEL Social Impact Scholars program brings together future changemakers with current change leaders,” said Marelle Jimenez, senior student engagement programs advisor of BSEL. “Learning about the ever-changing issues with a modern eye, our scholars have gone on to start their own businesses and work for nonprofits and businesses across multiple areas of social impact, including children’s music literacy, urban design for marginalized groups, and educational equity. This program is making a difference in the world of social impact, one scholar at a time.”

Mentorship is a key strategy through which students and early professionals can learn about careers they might not be familiar with, while also gaining access to resources and guidance on how to create career trajectories that align with their values and overall goals. Yet, according to Forbes, even though an overwhelming majority of people believe mentorship is important, only about 30% have a mentor. Of those who do have mentors, over 90% find them to be valuable.

Mentorship is one tool used to help diversify talent pools and inspire both the mentor and mentee in the relationship. BSEL seeks to foster close mentor-mentee relationships and also peer-to-peer support networks.

As part of the program, professional leaders across sectors are paired with student scholars based on similarities in backgrounds, fields, or future visions. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, BSEL hosts monthly skills-building workshops and is open to all USC students to apply.

The BSEL Social Impact Scholars program brings together future changemakers with current change leaders.

— Marelle Jiminez

Senior student engagement programs advisor, BSEL

A member of the 2024-25 BSEL cohort, USC Marshall student Aahana Chowdhuri ’25 has had a lifelong interest in environmental sustainability. Also a member of the USC Marshall Global Applied Honors program, Chowdhuri is conducting research to identify and formulate plastic tracking methods in Indonesia.

“I wanted to learn from the unique perspectives of those in the social impact space and surround myself with peers who pursue both excellence and social good,” Chowduri said.

This year, Chowduri was paired with Daryl-Lynn Roberts, vice president of business development at Visage Energy. Roberts has over 15 years of experience in clean energy and a background in engineering.

“Daryl-Lynn has been a great source of inspiration,” Chowduri said. “I’ve learned ways to incorporate social entrepreneurship into my career, and how to pursue a path that sustains both my livelihood and my desire to do good in the world.”

Mentors for BSEL Undergraduate Impact Scholars have included professionals from sectors such as healthcare, affordable housing, law, community empowerment, education, and climate technology. Jen Chiou, a mentor for BSEL’s 2023-24 cohort, is the founder of CodeSpeak Labs, which helps kids learn how to code.

“I was excited to learn what the next generation of social entrepreneurs were interested in,” Chiou said of her inspiration for joining the program. “The students reinvigorate your faith in humanity and leave you feeling satisfied you played a part in supporting the next generation of leaders, who will tackle the world’s greatest challenges.”

Many mentors live and work in Los Angeles, giving students insights into industries intrinsic to the city.

Kevin Lu ’22, an alumni of the BSEL Undergraduate Impact Scholars program, said, “I believe that surrounding yourself with like-minded peers who care about similar impact areas is so important.”

Lu credits his mentor Sherri Francois, Chief Impact Officer at SOLA Impact, with his deeper exploration of climate tech and his current research focus abroad in Estonia as a Fulbright Scholar.

“She provided me industry connections across California to leading sustainability practitioners,” Lu said. “This, combined with hybrid meet-ups where I got to see her work in action, allowed me to understand what energized me in social innovation.”

Applications for the 16th cohort of BSEL Undergraduate Impact Scholars is now open. Please learn more here.

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