'The Big Bang Theory' Gives Big Bucks for Scholarships

Hollywood’s lovable nerds are helping real life nerds go to college.

The cast and crew of “The Big Bang Theory,” have endowed a scholarship fund at UCLA to assist students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), the university announced.

“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.

Twenty students will receive financial assistance from the fund starting this fall, with five more recipients being chosen each subsequent year.

University officials say the scholarship is the first endowment created at UCLA by the cast and crew of a television show.

--Written by Patch and City News Service; Image via CBS

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