USC Center for Affective Neuroscience, Development, Learning and Education (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.