Image
LEO T. MCCARTHY CENTER FOR PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE COMMON GOOD
2024-25 Annual Impact Report
In order to shape a more humane, equitable, and just world, the Leo T. McCarthy Center for Public Service and the Common Good educates leaders committed to lives of ethical public service by implementing academically rigorous programs, cultivating authentic community partnerships, and fostering transformational experiences.
With Gratitude, from our Senior Director
I am continually struck by the timelessness of our mission. I was recently contacted by two folks from different points in their careers. One is an alum who was a McCarthy Fellow in Sacramento in 2011 and is now working on AI policy. The other person has had a robust career in city government as a commissioner, director, supervisor and more. For both, the McCarthy Center is a network they can come back to again and again. We are a touchstone for ethical public service for alumni and lifelong public servants who knew Leo. Please enjoy this snapshot of our accomplishments for 2024–2025.
Karin Cotterman
Interim Senior Director
Community-Engaged Learning & Teaching
At USF, all undergraduate students take at least one community-engaged learning (CEL) course designed to develop civic capacities and commitments, enhance students’ disciplinary knowledge and skills, and address community-identified priorities and needs. Faculty are recognized for their CEL teaching and leadership by the provost through the Faculty Award for Community-Engaged Learning.
Faculty Development
USF faculty receive support for CEL course development through one-on-one meetings with McCarthy Center staff. The Community Engaged Learning and Teaching Fellowship is a semester-long course that faculty or staff can take to develop a CEL course and learn best principles of practice.
Public Service Community Engagement Minor
This minor guides students to explore and analyze intersections between themselves, their communities, and pervasive social justice issues while integrating opportunities to develop and implement skills. Thus far, USF has had 120 PSCE minors.
Larry Wesley ’26
Service means understanding the histories that shape us, honoring the differences among us, and serving more than just those who look or live like us.”
Larry Wesley ’26
McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco, Sacramento, and DC
Our McCarthy Fellows in San Francisco, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C., continue to shape public policy through transformative internships that advance the mission of public service and the common good by advancing community-engaged learning while tackling issues from environmental justice to public health and housing.
USF Votes
On campus, USFVotes led a highly visible 2024 election cycle, institutionalizing voter registration, hosting education events, and convening postelection dialogue spaces that foster civic learning and resilience. Recognized again as a Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting, USF strengthened its national reputation as a leader in preparing students to engage meaningfully in democracy and social change.
Commitment to Campus-Community Partnership
Silk Financial Literacy
The Silk Financial Literacy Initiative helps young people master financial literacy skills to use in their everyday lives. This year, the program expanded to three Boys and Girls Clubs, engaging middle school youth in interactive workshops on financial decision-making and structures. The program also designed and launched the second and third parts of its curriculum, focusing on entrepreneurship and business development.
Image
Engage San Francisco Literacy
This year, Engage San Francisco Literacy supported K–5 students in San Francisco’s historically Black Fillmore District and the Western Addition through literacy tutoring and homework help at two schools and three after-school programs. Thirty-eight USF tutors provided literacy and academic support, assisted teachers and staff, and built lasting relationships that strengthened community partnerships and youth learning outcomes.
Olivia Brown ’25
Engage San Francisco has taught me how to advocate for communities by uplifting their voices and needs; not overstepping but stepping behind in support.”
Olivia Brown ’25
2024-25 Financials
Revenues
- Gifts, Grants, and Contributions: 80%
- Endowment: 20%
Expenses
- McCarthy Center Programs: 72%
- Administration: 25%
- Other Restricted Activity: 3%