'The Big Bang Theory' to fund real life scientists in UCLA

Fictional scientists of The Big Bang Theory are about fund real-life sciece students.

20 Big Bang Theory grants will be awarded to University of California, Los Angeles students pursuing education in fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Students who have gotten in on academic merit and need extra support with their financial aid will be helped.

The endowment has already raised over $4 million with donations from show producer and creator Chuck Lorre, stars of the show, Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, Simon Helberg, Kunal Nayyar, Mayim Bailik, and Melissa Rauch. Warner Bros. Television, CBS, and other corporate partners of the show have also contributed.

"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 Chuck Lorre, the show’s co-creator and executive producer. “In that spirit, our Big Bang family has made a meaningful contribution, and together we’ll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders.”

First group to receive the scholarship will be announced this fall on the set of the show.

This is not the first connection UCLA has made with the show. Mayim Bailik who plays Amy Farah Fowler, earned a doctorate in neuroscience from UCLA and science consultant of the show, David Saltzberg is professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA.