George Lucas Family Foundation once again gifted the African-American and Hispanic students of USC School of Cinematic Arts $10 million. This will provide scholarships for the students to help them in their undergraduate and graduate programs. Overall, it's George Lucas' way to support diversity in the film industry.

Just when students of different color and different race are engulfed with the fear of the 'Trump Effect', George Lucas offers a refuge in the form of a donation. Qualified students who are African American and Hispanic can avail of the said scholarship, USC News reported. The new gift raises the foundation's diversity support to $20 million.

The initiative started in 2016 semester with an initial of $10 million for students from the underrepresented communities. Minority students from both the graduate and undergraduate programs will be given priority for the scholarship. Recipients will be called George Lucas Scholars or Mellody Hobson Scholars.

The scholarship will allow the university to recruit students who have the desire to tell stories through cinematic media. According to Michael Renov, the vice dean of USC academic affairs, the endowment will help them recruit students who will be the future assets in the film industry, Variety reported.

According to one of the first recipients of the George Lucas Family Foundation donation, Jonathan Curtiss, the scholarship offers fellowship, opportunity, and the ability to inspire other filmmakers. Curtiss said the scholarship opened doors and gave him the ability to dream without limits.

University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts has been a recipient of several donations to support film students. Recently, the school received donation from Hollywood Foreign Press Association. It supported students who are on student visas. There are Steven & Alexandra Cohen Fund, Shriram Family Graduate Student Support Fund, and the Kelly and Ron Meyer Family Fund.

These donations or support enhance the university's commitment on access and affordability. They ensure the enrollment of qualified students regardless of their financial backgrounds. About 70 percent of USC's students are on scholarship or grant for their education.

Topics University of Southern California