Volunteer Opportunities
USC PT Community Clinic – Fit Families
Established as a pro-bono community clinic, the clinic is a joint effort and commitment of the Division's faculty, staff, students, alumni, Board of Councilors, and professionals and leaders of the local communities to provide services and contribute to the health of the residents of the communities surrounding the USC Health Sciences Campus.
The clinical program offered by the Community Clinic, called FIT FAMILIES, is targeted to school-aged children (ages 10-17) and their families at risk for severe disorders such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The program provides individualized exercise programs, group exercise activities, evaluation and assessment, and nutrition counseling free of charge. In the future, other populations will be targeted and services will be expanded.
Casa Colina Adaptive Sports and Outdoor Adventures
This program provides the opportunity for persons with disability to experience health, confidence and achievement through competitive and recreational sports. It focuses on abilities, not disabilities. The program also enables its members to experience success both physically and emotionally. Some of the sports include basketball, power soccer, hand cycling, water rafting, kayaking, sailing, hiking, etc.
Holiday Toy Drive - Los Angeles County + USC Medical Center
USC PT students are involved in collecting toys every year during the holiday season for the children of the LAC + USC Premature Infant Follow-up Clinic.
LA’s Best
USC PT students volunteer their time at this after school education, enrichment and recreation program for children 5 to 12 years of age in the city of Los Angeles. The program provides homework assistance, drill team/dance, arts and crafts, reading for recreation, music, science and math clubs, seasonal sports, computer instruction, theater and visual arts, and field trips.
Meals on Wheels
Provides home delivered meals and other services to homebound elderly and disabled persons.
MS Society Walk
Students and faculty have participated in this walk to raise awareness and funds for the fight against Multiple Sclerosis.
Operation Walk
This is a private, not-for-profit, volunteer medical services organization which provides free surgical treatments for patients, in developing countries and in the US, who have no access to life-improving care for arthritis or other debilitating bone and joint conditions. The organization also educates in-country orthopedic surgeons, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals on the most advanced treatments and surgical techniques for diseases of the hip and knee joints. Several USC PT faculty, staff, alumni, and PhD students have volunteered their time and continue to do so on a yearly basis.
Pediatric Therapy Network Camp Escapades
USC PT students volunteer their time as counselors for children ages 4 to 12 years of age at this summer day camp. The camp is designed to offer children with special needs, including autism, down syndrome, developmental delays, and a vast variety of fun and zany activities, which will foster skills such as fine and gross motor abilities, socialization, pre-sports skills and language.
Special Olympics – Healthy Athletes FUNfitness
USC PT students participate in screening athletes for their participation in the Special Olympics. They help assess and improve flexibility, functional strength and balance; educate participants, families and coaches about the importance of flexibility, strength and balance; and provide hands-on opportunity for participants to learn about physical therapy.
Shane’s Inspiration Walk-Fun-Roll
USC PT students, faculty, and their family and friends participate in the Walk-Fun-Roll to raise money. The program creates universally accessible play environments and provides community outreach, education, and transportation for children with disabilities to play independently with their peers.
Swim with Mike
The program was originally called "Swim for Mike," and was put on by the friends of a three-time All-American swimmer at USC who was paralyzed in 1981 from the chest down in a motorcycle accident. Since 1981, the event has grown and benefited more than 30 physically-challenged athletes with over $2 million in contributions.