The Writers Guild of America, East has teamed up with The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment and the New York City Department of Small Business Services to launch the Made in NY Writers Room, “a fellowship program to support professional writers of diverse backgrounds in New York City.”

The number of scripted TV series shot in NYC is at an all-time high (52 in the 2015–16 season), but, as the announcement says, “A recent study by the WGA West analyzing entertainment industry employment data through 2014 shows the share of television employment of minority writers was 13 percent, while women writers made up 29 percent of the workforce. Given these numbers, creating opportunities for writers of diverse backgrounds helps foster a more inclusive environment both on set and on camera and one that is more reflective of our diverse society.” The Made in NY Writers Room initiative plans to fix this and give a boost to burgeoning NYC TV writers through mentoring, networking, and access to industry resources with a focus on underserved voices and perspectives.

“Recipients of this fellowship will receive unparalleled opportunities to learn first-hand from leaders in the entertainment world, and receive useful feedback on their works-in-progress,” said Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment Commissioner Julie Menin.

The Made in NY Writers Room fellowship will accept up to twelve candidates, applying individually or in teams of two, and will last six months, expecting to run from June to December 2017. Participants will be assigned to an NYC showrunner mentor. Confirmed Made in NY Writers Room mentors include Sarah Treem (“The Affair”), Julie Klausner (“Difficult People”), and Julie Martin (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”).

The submission period for applications opens on September 15, 2016 and will close at 11:59 p.m. EST on October 20, 2016. Head here to apply.