George Lucas is shelling out millions to make sure the University of Southern California’s film school has a commitment to diversity. The Star Wars creator’s family foundation is donating $10 million, the largest donation the School of Cinematic Arts has received, so that the USC film school can recruit and support black and Hispanic students who will one day add to the diversity of Hollywood.
According to CBS Los Angeles, the George Lucas Foundation Endowed Student Support Fund for Diversity was established Tuesday, and Lucas and his wife, Mellody Hobson, are excited about what will come of it.
“George Lucas and Mellody Hobson are inspiring leaders in their fields, and tremendous friends to the USC community,” USC President C.L. Max Nikias told the station. “This gift will nurture the next generation of artists, supporting scholarships that enhance access in the cinematic arts, while bringing new and diverse voices and stories into our lives.”
Lucas realizes that black and Hispanic filmmakers are very underrepresented in film, and he wants to remedy that. “It is Mellody’s and my privilege to provide this assistance to qualified students who want to contribute their unique experience and talent to telling their stories,” Lucas said.
The fund will be for both male and female students, who will be known as George Lucas Scholars or Mellody Hobson Scholars. Both graduate and undergraduate students will have access to the fund.