American Cancer Society
ACS@USC
American Cancer Society at the University of Southern California
Student organization · American Cancer Society

We’re the American Cancer Society at USC.

ACS@USC is a student-led chapter that advances the mission of the American Cancer Society on campus through advocacy, fundraising, education, and community support. Together, we work to reduce the burden of cancer and improve lives in Los Angeles and beyond.

Open to all USC students, graduate and undergraduate. No prior experience required—just a commitment to making an impact.
About us

Bringing the American Cancer Society to campus.

The American Cancer Society at USC (ACS@USC) is part of a nationwide movement to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. As a student-led chapter, we connect Trojans to the mission of the American Cancer Society through local action, meaningful experiences, and long-term commitment to health equity.

We collaborate with the American Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), USC partners, and community organizations to advance research, support patients, and advocate for policies that help prevent, detect, and treat cancer.

Student-led
Nonprofit partner
Open to all majors
Advocacy & service

Whether you’re passionate about public health, research, storytelling, policy, or community care, you’ll find a place to contribute. Our members organize events, design awareness campaigns, volunteer with community partners, and lead initiatives that center patients and caregivers.

ACS@USC is a space where students can engage deeply with real-world issues, learn from each other, and build a more hopeful future for everyone facing cancer.

Our mission

Improving lives, saving lives, and advancing equity.

Our work on campus reflects the core mission of the American Cancer Society: to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support. We translate that mission into student-led action at USC.

Research & innovation

We fundraise to support the American Cancer Society’s research program and highlight opportunities for USC students to engage in cancer science, survivorship research, and health equity work.

Patient & caregiver support

We collaborate with local hospitals and community partners to share resources, build care-focused initiatives, and uplift patients and caregivers through events and storytelling.

Prevention & education

We promote prevention, early detection, and risk reduction—especially in communities experiencing cancer inequities—through campus outreach, programming, and peer education.

Advocacy & ACS CAN

With the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), we mobilize students around local, state, and federal policies that impact cancer prevention, access to care, and research funding.

Policy & civic engagement

Equity & access

We center equity in all we do, focusing on communities disproportionately impacted by cancer and working to reduce barriers related to race, income, language, environment, and geography.

Health equity

Leadership & community

Our chapter gives students space to grow as leaders, organizers, and advocates while building meaningful, supportive relationships with peers who care about making a difference.

Student leadership
Programs

What we run at USC.

ACS@USC hosts a mix of recurring programs and experimental initiatives that bring the American Cancer Society mission to life on campus.

Relay For Life at USC

Our flagship fundraising and community event. Students, faculty, staff, survivors, and caregivers come together for an evening of remembrance, stories, and action in support of the American Cancer Society.

  • Team-based fundraising
  • Luminaria and survivor recognition
  • On-campus engagement and performances

Hack4Hope: Cancer Justice Policy

A hackathon and game jam focused on cancer justice, policy, and community-centered solutions in collaboration with ACS CAN and local partners.

  • Policy-inspired challenges
  • Game and prototype development
  • Student, survivor, and expert collaboration

Service & outreach

Volunteer opportunities with local clinics, community-based organizations, and USC partners, connecting students directly to patients and neighbors impacted by cancer.

  • Community education and tabling
  • Support for local events
  • Care-focused projects and drives

Education & awareness

Campaigns throughout the year highlighting prevention, screening, and early detection, tailored for the USC community and local context.

  • World Cancer Day
  • Breast Cancer Awareness Month
  • Tobacco control and healthy living initiatives

Advocacy training

Workshops and briefings that prepare students to advocate effectively with ACS CAN on campus, in the community, and with elected officials.

  • Story-based advocacy
  • Legislative updates and action alerts
  • Opportunities to engage with ACS CAN

Collaborative projects

Partnerships with USC organizations, community leaders, and academic programs to explore creative, interdisciplinary approaches to cancer and health equity.

  • Co-hosted events
  • Interdisciplinary projects
  • Student-led initiatives
Events

Upcoming and signature events.

Our calendar includes large signature events and smaller gatherings throughout the year. Use this section to highlight what’s next and how students can participate.

Sample annual rhythm

  • Fall: Recruitment, education campaigns, service events, and advocacy trainings.
  • Winter: Planning for Relay For Life and Hack4Hope; leadership development.
  • Spring: Relay For Life, Hack4Hope, major fundraising, and ACS CAN campus actions.
  • Summer: Leadership transition, reflection, and planning for the next academic year.

You can keep this section updated with live event details, links to registration forms, and ways to get involved if someone cannot attend in person.

For example, you might add:

  • Relay For Life date, location, and registration link
  • Hack4Hope interest form
  • General Body Meeting schedule
  • Service day sign-ups
Stay informed about events
Get involved

There’s a place for you here.

You do not need previous experience in cancer work to join ACS@USC. We welcome students from all majors, backgrounds, and lived experiences who want to make a meaningful impact.

Ways to plug in

  • Attend a General Body Meeting and meet the team.
  • Join a committee: advocacy, events, fundraising, education, or outreach.
  • Volunteer at our service and awareness events.
  • Lead a team for Relay For Life or help plan Hack4Hope.
  • Share your story as a survivor, caregiver, or supporter if you feel comfortable.

Join our list

Use this space to link a simple interest form or mailing list so students can stay updated without navigating multiple platforms.

Example:

  • ACS@USC Interest Form (Google Form link)
  • Newsletter or email updates sign-up
  • GroupMe, Slack, or Discord link for members
Fill out the interest form
Leadership

Meet the ACS@USC student leadership.

Our board is made up of students who coordinate programs, support members, and steward our partnerships with the American Cancer Society and ACS CAN. Update this section each year with current leaders and roles.

Co-President
Your Name Here
Oversees vision, partnerships, and chapter strategy.
Co-President
Your Name Here
Leads operations, member experience, and coordination.
Director of Advocacy
Your Name Here
Coordinates ACS CAN work, policy education, and actions.
Director of Events
Your Name Here
Plans major events including Relay For Life and Hack4Hope.
Director of Fundraising
Your Name Here
Designs fundraising campaigns and supports team leaders.
Director of Marketing & Communications
Your Name Here
Leads storytelling, social media, and ACS-aligned messaging.
Director of Membership
Your Name Here
Welcomes new members and supports engagement and retention.
Director of Service & Outreach
Your Name Here
Coordinates volunteer opportunities and community partnerships.
Advisor / ACS Staff Contact
Name (if applicable)
Supports the chapter on behalf of the American Cancer Society.
Contact

Connect with ACS@USC.

Use this space to make it easy for students, partners, and community members to reach your chapter.

  • Email: info@acsatusc.org You can create forwards like president@acsatusc.org, events@acsatusc.org, or advocacy@acsatusc.org.
  • Instagram: @acsatusc
  • Location: University of Southern California · Los Angeles, CA

For partnership inquiries, speaking invitations, or collaboration ideas, email us with “Partnership Inquiry” in the subject line and a brief description of your organization and goals.

Interested in collaborating?

We welcome collaboration with USC organizations, community-based groups, health systems, and partners who share our commitment to reducing the burden of cancer and advancing equity.

Share a brief overview of your idea, timeline, and how you see students playing a role, and a member of our leadership team will follow up.