'The Big Bang Theory' Scholarship Set at UCLA
By Denise Petski
The Big Bang Theory and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation are drawing on the hit show’s scientific roots in creating The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment at UCLA. The first-ever university scholarship at UCLA created by and named for a TV series is aimed at undergraduate students in need of financial aid in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
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The scholarship endowment has raised $4 million to date, according to scholarship partner Warner Bros TV. That includes an initial donation from the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation combined with gifts from people associated with the show, including series stars, executive producers and crew, and partners such as WBTV and CBS, along with other industry leaders.
Twenty Big Bang Theory scholars will be selected for the 2015–16 academic year to receive financial assistance, with an additional five scholars to be added in each future academic year — in perpetuity. The inaugural group of scholars will be announced in fall 2015 on the set of The Big Bang Theory.
There’s also a larger connection between UCLA and The Big Bang Theory beyond the scholarship fund. Series star Mayim Bialik earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA, while professor of physics and astronomy David Saltzberg, Ph.D., serves as the show’s science consultant.
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