Tommy’s Tours
Developed for elementary and middle school students, Tommy’s Tours aims to spark curiosity about, and nurture interest in, higher education. Current USC students lead young visitors on a campus tour, highlighting our history, traditions, academic programs and student life — all while providing tips for doing well in and out of the classroom so that young students can prepare for the college of their dreams.
Please note that regular tours and information sessions for high school students and their families can be requested through our Meet Us page.
Tommy’s Tour Information
Interested in a tour? Tommy’s Tours are geared toward elementary and middle school students who want to learn about higher education.
Request a Tour
Meet the Volunteer Tour Leaders
Volunteer Tour Leaders are USC students who are eager to give back by sharing the excitement and possibilities of higher education with visiting schoolchildren. The Tommy’s Tours student organization includes a team of dedicated Student Leaders who provide direction and oversight for the Volunteer Tour Leaders.
Elisa T.
Operations Lead
Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
Hometown: Torrance, California
Why I joined Tommy’s Tours: I joined Tommy’s Tours because I have a passion for education, especially with children. The kind of curiosity and wonder that kids have for the world really inspires me! I hope to share my knowledge with the younger generation, and make sure every student knows the opportunities that college can provide for them. Tommy’s Tours has also allowed me to meet some amazing people and make some life-long connections!
Julia K.
Communications Lead
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Why I joined Tommy’s Tours: I joined Tommy’s Tours because I wanted the opportunity to inspire younger kids to not feel limited in their opportunities for the future and to share all the different choices that USC provides. I love working with kids, encouraging their curiosity, and answering all of their questions. I also love sharing my love for USC and the Trojan Family with others, and Tommy’s Tours is a great way to do so!
Julia T.
Outreach Lead
Major: Human Biology (Minor in Occupational Science and Therapy)
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Why I joined Tommy’s Tours: Both of my parents work in education, and because of this I was fortunate enough to be given all the opportunities and information necessary to pursue higher levels of education, which I recognize is a privilege not all people have growing up. I joined Tommy’s Tours because of my passion for education. I want to be able to share my knowledge and encourage [kids] to pursue higher levels of education. In addition, within the Tommy’s Tours community, I have found a wonderful family of like-minded friends who have greatly and positively impacted my college experience!
Ayana M.
Personnel Lead
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: New York, New York
Why I joined Tommy’s Tours: I am super passionate about medicine, culture, and community. I love exploring new things and hanging out with friends. Through Tommy Tours, I want to help people see what makes USC a special place, not just with academics, but with the energy, the people, and the feeling of belonging.
Serena H.
Relations Lead
Major: Human Biology
Hometown: Ottawa, Canada
Why I joined Tommy’s Tours: Back in my hometown, I used to work with children regularly. When I came to university, I realized just how much I missed working with the youth—I missed their energy, their passion and their love. Tommy’s Tours is the most perfect way for me to share my enthusiasm and encourage them to pursue a life-changing opportunity rooted in higher education.
Contact Us
If you have questions or feedback regarding the tour, please contact us at tommystours@usc.edu.
Become a Volunteer Tour Leader
Membership
Weekly Membership Meetings
For the first 8 weeks, you’ll have one weekly training meeting (Location and Time TBD– currently Monday at 6:00 p.m.). Once you are a fully trained volunteer tour leader, you will have bi-weekly meetings to refresh your training and mentor new volunteers. VolunTOUR Leaders, or VTLs, are required to attend these meetings, as we will be going over important training topics!
Tours & Availability
You will be required to make yourself available for at least 1-2 tours per week (1 hour each) and be available for our weekly meetings.
Community Involvement
We pride ourselves on commitment to the USC community. Our volunteer tour leaders are expected to volunteer with other organizations across campus. In the future, we will be forming meaningful partnerships with other organizations that promote access to higher education.
Apply to Be a Volunteer Tour Leader (VTL)
Pillars of Membership
Community
As a member of Tommy’s Tours, you are an official representative of the University of Southern California and are part of a vibrant community in the Admission Center. The “AC,” as we call it, is the first point of contact with the thousands of guests who visit campus each year. As a Tommy’s Tours Volunteer Tour Leader, you get to work with elementary and middle school students. You will be providing a meaningful service to the South Los Angeles area and other visitors. Not to mention, you will be a part of our AC family!
Philanthropy
We are dedicated to philanthropy here at the Admission Center. We strive to provide opportunities for our members to get involved in the LA community outside of giving tours. We partner with other organizations at USC who work with children to maximize our efforts. If you would like to partner with Tommy’s Tours for a philanthropic event, please contact us at tommystours@usc.edu.
Commitment to Excellence
Being a member of Tommy’s Tours means that you are representing the university and the Admission Center to all students and chaperones you interact with. You are also serving as a window into life at USC and what it means to be a Trojan. We expect a lot from our members because YOU are the face of USC.