Josh Schwartz, an alumnus of the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen & Television, has created an endowed fund to connect its students to industry mentors who can provide them with invaluable counsel as they transition into their creative career paths. The mentorship is open to students in their final year of the division’s degree programs.

“Josh is a unique storyteller whose work has defined youth culture for multiple generations, and whose visionary career as a writer, producer and director serves as a blueprint and inspiration for how to create culturally-resonant programming,” says SCA Dean Elizabeth Daley.  “He has been a consistent mentor to our students, and this endowment is an extension of his efforts to help them learn from his experiences as a young industry writer. We could not be more thrilled that he has established this mentorship program for Wells Writing Division students.” 

The Josh Schwartz Writing Mentorship Program is a one-year program open to graduating students of the John Wells Writing Division to provide mentorship from industry professionals. Schwartz will play a key role in recruiting mentors from a broad range of industry professionals (directors, writers, executives etc.), so that students have ample options for mentorship opportunities when being matched with a mentor.

“As our business faces challenges and change, mentorship has become more essential than ever to help nurture and guide the next generation of storytellers,” said Schwartz, whose credits include The O.C., Gossip Girl, Chuck, Looking for Alaska, City on Fire and Marvel’s Runaways, among others.  “USC’S School of Cinematic Arts was a foundational part of my journey, and I continue to admire how Dean Daley, (Wells Writing Division Chair) Mary Sweeney and the entire faculty have evolved the school to reflect the reality of today’s industry.  It’s an honor to give back to a place that has meant so much to me, and to try and ensure today’s students have the same opportunities that I’ve had.”