The UCLA School of Theatre, Film and Television has received a special surprise from one of its ex students, who has made it big. Law & Order actress Mariska Hargitay has donated a super cool $100,000 to kick start the schools acting scholarship for bright students. It's great to be able to give back what you've gained to the next generation of talent and Hargitay has done something great.

An acting scholarship is a fantastic way to promote top talent, and give the best students the ability to pay for their tuition. It is hard to come by scholarships in difficult economic times but if you can get access to a scholarship, you have already won a major victory.

Mariska Hargitay has already a Golden Globe and Emmy to her name starring in Law & Order: SVU and was honored earlier this year with a Distiniguished Alumni Award according to Hollywoodreporter.

Some of you may be thinking is it still worth going to film school, or taking acting and theatre classes? I would say yes, if you are determined to improve your craft and make a career in the film industry. A lot of the work also comes from relationship making, and schools like UCLA and others in your area are a good place to start, and meet your future collaborators.