Warner Bros. Television officials announced on Wednesday “The Big Bang Theory” Scholarship Endowment, a fund to provide need-based financial aid for UCLA science, technology, engineering and mathematics students.
More than $4 million has already been raised for the scholarship, according to a UCLA statement.
The endowment was funded by the show’s executive producers, cast and crew, the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation and other donors from the entertainment industry. The scholarship is the first at UCLA named after a television show.
In a press release from Warner Bros. Television, the show’s co-creator and executive producer Chuck Lorre said the fund provides an opportunity to give back to the scientific community which supports the show.
“Our Big Bang family has made a meaningful contribution, and together, we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders,” Lorre said.
UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said in a release that he hopes the endowment will let more students study at UCLA regardless of their financial standing.
UCLA students will be able to apply for the scholarship for the 2015-2016 academic year in the fall. The first group of 20 recipients will be announced at “The Big Bang Theory” set in the fall.
Compiled by William Thorne, A&E contributor.