The CJ Saraceno Internship in Los Angeles

This crowdfunding project has ended, but you can still support The CJ Saraceno internship program online. Thank you for your continued support!

In memory of CJ Saraceno (Class of 2011)

This internship program was created in memory of CJ Saraceno, who passed away in 2013 at the age of 24. CJ was a creative force, a thoughtful friend and a brilliant classmate. He grew up in Connecticut, discovered his passions at Tufts and, armed with a degree in political science and media studies, drove out to Los Angeles to turn those passions into opportunities. Full of energy, he was dedicated to exploring new methods of storytelling. He cultivated a blossoming media career evident in the body of work he left behind – a powerful portfolio of ambitious endeavors that challenged the status quo.

In the spirit of CJ, this internship program provides Tufts students the opportunity to find their own creative voice and to make a difference in how stories are told.

Your support provides transformational experiences

Los Angeles can be intimidating. From buying a plane ticket, to renting a car and leaning into a world of unpaid film gigs, the barriers to the industry can be insurmountable. CJ knew how hard it was but charged ahead. We want to provide those who share his vision the opportunity to “make it” in the Los Angeles media world.

The program, administered by the Film and Media Studies Department at Tufts, offers a summer internship and financial support to one student each year. Students who otherwise would not have the financial means to pursue internships in Los Angeles are given special consideration.

With the help of many alumni, friends and family members, we have already supported the creative journeys of three Tufts students. Each student was selected from a highly competitive pool of applicants and spent a summer interning at Bona Fide Productions, the company behind Little Miss Sunshine and Nebraska.

Help more students pursue their passions in L.A.!

Please help us honor our dear friend by making a donation to continue this internship program. Our goal is to empower other talented students to enter an extremely competitive world for many years to come. CJ was "on a mission for the good life and was willing to fight for his share of it." Our hope is to make that fight a possibility for others. Thank you!

How did CJ influence you?

We'd love to hear your memories of CJ. Please email TheCJScholarship@gmail.com, and we'll share these stories in thank you notes and as updates on this project page.