The cast and crew of “The Big Bang Theory,” CBS’ hit comedy centered around a brainy group of physicists, have endowed a scholarship fund at UCLA to assist students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the university announced Thursday.
“We have all been given a gift with ‘The Big Bang Theory,’ a show that’s not only based in the scientific community, but also enthusiastically supported by that same community,” series co-creator Chuck Lorre said. “This is our opportunity to give back.”
The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment has already raised more than $4 million, with contributions from Lorre; actors Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch; executive producers Bill Prady and Steven Molaro; and crew members. Warner Bros. Television and CBS have also contributed to the fund.
In the 2015-16 academic year, 20 students will receive financial assistance from the fund, with five more recipients being chosen each subsequent year. The scholarships will be awarded to low-income students who need “additional support to bridge the gap between typical levels of financial aid and the cost of attendance,” according to UCLA.
“At UCLA, we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for students from all economic backgrounds,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said. “… We are grateful for The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment, whose contributors agree with us that economic standing should not hinder a deserving student’s shot at a degree from a university of UCLA’s caliber.”
The initial group of scholarship recipients will be announced this fall on the show’s set. University officials said the scholarship is the first endowment created at UCLA by the cast and crew of a television show.
— City News Service