CBS DIVERSITY INSTITUTE WRITERS MENTORING PROGRAM NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2006 SESSION

Appliccations are now being accepted for the third session of the CBS Diversity Institute's Writers Mentoring Program. The submission period is from April 1, 2005 - June 1, 2005.

All completed materials, which include two writing samples (one original piece and one "spec" episode of an hour or half hour scripted television series currently on the air) and signed and notarized release forms must be postmarked no later than June 1, 2005.

For more information and an application visit www.cbsdiversity.com.

The program begins January 2006 and runs through the end of May 2006. The Writers Mentoring Program helps aspiring writers understand the unwritten rules of breaking in and moving up in the business. Each participant is matched with two mentors - one is a senior level writer/producer on a CBS primetime series the other is a CBS creative executive. Participants meet regularly with their mentors for advice and support on improving their writing skills as well as career advice and guidance.

The primary focus of CBS's Diversity Institute Writers Mentoring Program is to provide access and networking opportunities for talented and motivated writers of diverse backgrounds - especially writers of color.

Six of the seven 2004 Program participants were hired on network television series as staff writers or writer assistants; four of those six had their first episodes produced this year.

The Writers Mentoring Program is not employment and there is no monetary compensation. It is, instead, a structured program of career development, support, and personal access to executives and decision-making processes; with the goal of preparing aspiring writers for later employment opportunities in television.