''The Big Bang Theory'' stars Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Melissa Rauch and Mayim Bialik. (Photo : Reuters/Mario Anzuoni)
The hit CBS TV sitcom "Big Bang Theory" and its executive producer Chuck Lorre established "The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment" in collaboration with Lorre's Family Foundation to help the real-life budding scientists. The program is for students from low income group to provide them financial aid in studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The cast members of the show, which include, Jim Parsons, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Johnny Galecki, and Mayim Bialik, have already raised $4 million to date, thanks to an initial lump-sum donation from Lorre combined with contributions from people associated with the show. The scholarship will benefit 20 incoming undergraduate students this year and five students per year going forward, New York Times reported.
"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," said Lorre in a recent announcement. The scholarship will be given only to students accepted on merit at the Los Angeles-based University, but need extra financial assistance to cover the costs of college.
The list of first group of the scholars is still not finalized and will be announced on the set this fall. The fortunate group of students is likely to meet Bialik at a ceremony, who has earned her Ph.D. in neuroscience from UCLA in 2007, Deadline reported.
The CBS show is based on a group of five friends that include geeky and socially awkward Leonard, Sheldon, Howard and Raj along with their smart and attractive neighbor Penny, who is an aspiring actress with exceptional social skills and common sense.
