Young Storytellers Establishes Fund Honoring Jamie Tarses

The Los Angeles nonprofit launches a memorial fund to support arts education in public schools.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration featuring blank paper and a theater mask, evoking the spirit of arts education and student creativity. — The nonprofit Young Storytellers has launched a memorial fund honoring former board member Jamie Tarses, providing ongoing support for public school arts programs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Los Angeles-based nonprofit Young Storytellers has established a dedicated fund to honor the memory of former founding board member Jamie Tarses. The initiative is designed to provide ongoing support for arts programs within local public schools.

Why it matters

The fund serves as a tribute to the career and contributions of Jamie Tarses, who played a central role in the organization's growth. By focusing on public schools, the nonprofit aims to continue her legacy of fostering creativity in young people.

Jamie Tarses served as a founding board member for Young Storytellers beginning in 2003. The organization continues to operate programs where volunteers mentor students to write scripts for professional performance.

The players

Young Storytellers

This Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization provides programs where volunteers help students develop writing and performance skills.

Jamie Tarses

She was a prominent television executive who served as president of ABC Entertainment and a founding board member of Young Storytellers.

The details

Young Storytellers programs connect volunteer mentors with students to facilitate scriptwriting and performance experiences. The new fund honors Tarses, a former executive at ABC Entertainment and NBC who passed away in 2021.

1987: Tarses began working at NBC.
1996: Tarses became president of ABC Entertainment.
2003: Tarses became a founding board member.
2021: Jamie Tarses died.
October 29, 2026: Organization hosts The Biggest Show.

Market Landscape

The creation of this memorial fund aligns with a broader trend of industry-led philanthropic efforts that solidify community impact through long-term educational partnerships. This positions Young Storytellers as a central entity for creative youth development in the Los Angeles region.

Local students in public schools stand to benefit from the expanded arts programming facilitated by these donations. Residents and donors can participate in or contribute to the organization's mission to sustain these creative mentorship opportunities.

The takeaway

Legacy-based funds help ensure that educational programs remain sustainable even after the departure of key leaders. Individuals interested in supporting arts education can find opportunities through school-based mentorship programs in their own communities.