LOS ANGELES — An additional $24.5 million pledge to UCLA announced Monday from television producer Chuck Lorre will support young scientists similar to the characters in the popular sitcom “The Big Bang Theory.”
Through The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation, the gift will add to the endowment established in 2015 at UCLA to help more low-income students study science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The funding supports the existing Big Bang Theory Scholarships and the creation of a new UCLA Chuck Lorre Scholars Program.
MORE GIVING: Chuck Lorre donates $30 million to Cedars-Sinai to train new health care professionals
“With the growing success of our Big Bang Theory scholars and the community they have built, it was the right time to expand our support to impact even more students by providing additional leadership and wraparound services,” Lorre said. “I am in awe of our scholars and graduate fellows who are poised to reshape the face of STEM. In the immortal words of Timbuk 3, ‘The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades.’”
Chuck Lorre attends The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment Gala at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Dec. 7, 2023, in Beverly Hills. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The $24.5 million pledge will allow the scholarship program to double its current number of undergraduate recipients to 80 each year in perpetuity.
UCLA’s Chuck Lorre Scholars Program offers four years of scholarship, mentorship and other support services beginning the summer before freshman year, as well as opportunities for graduate school funding.
“We are grateful to The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation for helping students in need excel as scholars and leaders,” UCLA Chancellor Gene Block said. “The UCLA Chuck Lorre Scholars Program advances our shared goal of transforming STEM through greater inclusivity.”
MORE ‘BANG’: How you can sit in Sheldon’s spot on set of ‘The Big Bang Theory’
Lorre, who co-created “The Big Bang Theory,” set up the original endowment through his family foundation as well as support from more than 50 cast and crew members, producers and writers of the hit television show, including support from the show’s studio and network and several corporate partners.
Related Articles
Disneyland class at UC Riverside is no Mickey Mouse course
Former students allege human labor trafficking at Olivet University in Anza
State universities admit more out-of-state students for the tuition bump
Faculty union OKs California State University contract that provides 10% raise by July
Study: Latinos achieve academic, financial success in community college baccalaureate program
To date, The Big Bang Theory Scholarship program has supported 78 STEM students, including 35 current undergraduate scholars and 16 graduate fellows. Of the 78 scholarship recipients, 37 have earned bachelor’s degrees from UCLA, and 50% have been women.
“We are incredibly thankful for Chuck Lorre’s vision, which dovetails perfectly with our own: to build well-rounded, lifelong learners who will further human knowledge with the compassion and conviction of UCLA’s highest ideals,” said Adriana Galván, UCLA’s dean of undergraduate education. “By investing in the greatest possible resource — the limitless potential of our students and UCLA’s unparalleled ability to ensure they achieve it — The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation is investing in a better future for us all.”