USC Rossier Center EDGE Initiative

Our Mission Center EDGE (Center for Engagement-Driven Global Education) fuels interdisciplinary partnerships to bring relevant, sustainable innovation to scale in the crucial area of educational engagement – the activities and techniques used to improve teaching and learning outcomes. Why Our Work Matters Only half of American learners feel engaged in their education. The consequences of disengagement can range from absenteeism and lack of direction to poor grades and low graduation rates. Decades of evidence show that engagement through the arts, sports, media and technology is key to improved educational outcomes, and it plays a vital role in the development of learners’ critical thinking, communication, creativity, problem-solving skills and cultural empathy. Engagement increases the likelihood that learners pursue professionally-oriented majors, earn college degrees, vote and participate in civic and community activities.