‘Big Bang Theory’ Sets Up Scholarship At UCLA For Scientifcally-Curious Smarty-Pants

The show that made it cool to be a nerd is giving back. The Big Bang Theory has set up a scholarship program at UCLA to students pursuing the sciences.

The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation provided the initial seed money for the scholarship. Donations from 50 others, including stars Johnny Galecki, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch have swelled the pot to $4 million, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Warner Bros. Television and CBS also pitched in, Variety added.

The grants are just for those majority in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the prestigious college. Money will help support low-income students who are smart enough to get into UCLA, but can’t quite afford it even after financial aid kicks in.

For Lorre – who also produces Mike and Molly, Mom and Two and a Half Men – the endowment is simply a way to acknowledge the scientific community that surrounds and loves the show, USA Today added.

“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 – this is our opportunity to give back. In that spirit, our family has made a meaningful contribution, and together, we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders.”

Even cooler – the first 20 scholars to get the scholarship will be announced on the set of The Big Bang Theory. Every year afterward, five more will be added.

It’s no surprise that The Big Bang Theory has translated its fictional love of knowledge and scientific curiosity into real-life good deeds. The professional lives of the series’ characters – two physicists, an aerospace engineer, astrophysicist and neuroscientist – center around Caltech, a research university.

The series’ science consultant is also physics and astronomy professor there and one of the stars, Bialik – otherwise known as Amy Farrah Fowler – has a doctorate in neuroscience from the university.

The endowment also makes TV history – the college has never received one from the cast and crew of a TV series. And for that, Chancellor Gene Block is very grateful.

“At UCLA, we pride ourselves on providing opportunities for students from all economic backgrounds. UCLA attracts the very best students from around the world, and admission is very competitive. 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 (our) caliber.”

Let’s just hope the show’s generosity doesn’t create any more Sheldon Coopers.

[Photo Courtesy Mark Davis/Getty Images]