About USC CANDLE
Revolutionizing Education Through Science
USC CANDLE is transforming adolescent education by uniting cutting-edge, innovative teaching practices, and bold policy advocacy to ignite human potential and drive lasting change.
Our Mission
At USC CANDLE, we bridge the gap between developmental neuroscience and real-world education. By uniting research, practice, and policy, we create evidence-based, human-centered models for teaching and learning. Through transdisciplinary research, innovative classroom strategies, and bold policy advocacy, we center emotional, social, and cognitive growth in every student and teacher interaction—laying the foundation for a future where science drives meaningful educational outcomes.
Transforming Education At Scale
Empowering Educators, Inspiring Students
USC CANDLE bridges neuroscience and real-world practice to transform classrooms, empower educators, and drive policy change. With over 175,000 educators trained worldwide, our reach extends to over 15 million students globally. Through research, professional development, and advocacy, we ensure every student has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and reach their full potential.
Our Approach
Bridging Disciplines
We study how educators and students think, feel, and grow—linking classroom observations with physiological data and brain scans to uncover the science behind meaningful learning.
Advancing Practice
We translate scientific findings into actionable strategies for educators, bridging the gap between research and classroom practice through workshops, COLABs, and professional development.
Shaping Policy
We provide targeted briefings, strategic advisement, and evidence-based resources to inform key policy decisions that create more equitable, inclusive, and ambitious educational systems.
Our Impact to Date
186540
Total educators and learners reached since 2019
22750
Administrators and policy-makers directly engaged through our dissemination
12020
Researchers engaged through our initiatives
7090
Academic research citations recognizing our work
34
Per-reviewed publications helping advance education
1815
Students directly involved in our research
Meet USC CANDLE
Our team
Meet our Director, Mary Helen Immordino-Yang, and the dedicated team driving USC CANDLE’s mission forward.
Our network
Discover the supporters, funders, and partners who power USC CANDLE’s mission and amplify our impact.