“There's a fine line between wrong and visionary. Unfortunately, you have to be a visionary to see it.”
-Sheldon Cooper

Bazinga, bazinga, bazinga!

What was your favourite television show during the 2010s? Was it Breaking Bad? Parks & Recreation? Bojack Horseman? Veep? Fleabag? Or, perhaps the wildly entertaining and widely popular Big Bang Theory?

Number one on television for many of the seasons it aired, The Big Bang Theory had famous lines, endearing characters, and plenty of cheezy lines. But, did you know that The Big Bang Theory is more than just a show with dozens of Emmys and a laugh track?

As bizarre as it sounds, The Big Bang Theory has joined the ranks of industrial giants, educational trusts and private individuals that provide private funding for university students who are more in need than others. So, if you’re a fan of the US series, you’ll probably feel even more warm and fuzzy towards the actors and characters than before since they've created a scholarship program. What? Where? When? How?

The Big Bang Theory Scholarship was created to support students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The scholarship is inspired by the hit TV show "The Big Bang Theory," which celebrated the achievements of brilliant minds in science. If you're a STEM student looking for financial assistance to achieve your academic goals, the Big Bang Theory Scholarship might be just what you need.

Without further ado, in today's article, we'll answer questions about what The Big Bang Theory scholarship is and who can apply for it. Let's go!

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What is The Big Bang Theory Scholarship?

scholarships for the sciences
The Big Bang Theory Scholarship takes particular interest in students who want to study the sciences at a university level. (Source: Unsplash)

So, you were right about the comedy of academic nerds in California having such a human heart!  The Big Bang Theory’s stars, producers and sponsors have donated to a $4 million fund to support low-income students studying in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at UCLA (the University of California, Los Angeles).

Why did they choose UCLA? Well, the popular sitcom show has links with the University, as its academic science consultant is UCLA’s Professor of Physics and Astronomy, David Saltzberg. Moreover, Mayim Bialik, who plays Sheldon’s neuroscientist girlfriend Amy, actually has a PhD in neuroscience from that same university.

‘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,’ believes Chuck Lorre, Big Bang Theory’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.’

We can’t feel that sorry for the actors giving up their hard-earned cash to the fund; principal cast members Jim Parsons (Sheldon), Johnny Galecki (Leonard) and Kaley Cuoco (Penny) reportedly negotiated a $90 million pay deal which almost tripled their salaries to $1 million per episode for recent seasons! Nevertheless, the scholarship is a new departure for a television comedy and reflects a growing need for academic institutions everywhere to find new sources of funding. UCLA’s chancellor Gene Block says: ‘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 UCLA’s calibre.’

But, who can apply for a Big Bang Theory scholarship? Let's find out in the following subheading!

Who Can Apply for The Big Bang Theory Scholarship?

you can apply for a bursary
If you have the right qualifications, you just might be eligible for a Big Bang Theory scholarship! (Source: Unsplash)

Do you want to study at a qualified university but don't have enough cash to do so? Well, The Big Bang Theory scholarship might be just what you've been actively searching for. But, are you eligible? Before you can apply for this scholarship, it's worth checking out the following list to see whether you meet the standards:

  1. Students must be admitted to a UC graduate program like a research-based master's or PhD in a STEM field, Medical School (MD), Dental School (DDS or DMD), or Master of Public Health (MPH).
  2. Applicants must have participated in and completed the Big Bang Theory undergraduate scholars program and received their qualifying degree from UCLA within two to five years* of applying to the Big Bang Theory Fellowship program.
  3. Maximum of five years of funding from the Chuck Lorre Foundation, as administered by UCLA Division of Graduate Education. Eligibility for annual renewal will be based on if the student remains in good academic standing, maintains “full-time” status or meets minimum unit enrollment, and remains within the University of California. 

It's worth stating that The Big Bang Theory scholarship is only reserved for students at UCLA. So, if you're from abroad you might want to consider completing your degree program in California. But, if you've discovered that you've met these qualifications, for what are you waiting? The Big Bang Theory scholarship allows eligible students to receive up to $20,000 per year, for up to five years.

How to Apply for the Scholarship?

To apply for the Big Bang Theory Scholarship, eligible students must submit the following materials:

  • An online application form is available on the scholarship's website.
  • A personal statement (500 words or less) explaining why you are pursuing a degree in STEM and how the scholarship will help you achieve your academic and professional goals.
  • A copy of your most recent transcript.
  • A letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, or academic advisor.

When is the Application Deadline?

The scholarship application deadline varies each year. In the past, the application deadline has been in early December, so it is essential to check the scholarship's website for updated information.

So, now the only question you probably have left, is how can I apply? Every year the deadline for first-year applicants is May 1. The Big Bang Theory Graduate Fellowship Application will be provided by and must be submitted to the Office of Scholarships and Student Support Initiatives at UCLAScholarships@support.ucla.edu

The first 20 scholars gaining funds from The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment will be announced on the programme’s studio set this autumn, with a further five scholars to be announced each year in perpetuity. If you’re a top science student with an eye on studying in the USA, now’s your chance!

Why are Scholarships So Important?

scholarships make it alright for everyone
With scholarships, there is more equality in school systems since it's not just about wealth and prominence. (Source: Unsplash)

Life is expensive and, due to the pandemic, the cost of living is only drastically rising. Inflation has hit most countries worldwide and people have seen food prices, rent, and petrol prices skyrocket.

Therefore, it's no surprise to learn that tuition fees and the cost of books have risen. 

When the costs associated with university and further education courses rise, it leaves out smart students from low-income families. Well, that is if there aren't any scholarships available.

Scholarships are a godsend for intelligent students who have never experienced wealth and prosperity. Scholarships such as the one created by the creators of The Big Bang Theory are indispensable.

Let's take a look at a few of the most noteworthy reasons why scholarships are so important in today's ever-changing world:

  • Equal Opportunities for All: university scholarships create equal possibilities for all. When poorer students are granted financial aid, further education centres are more diverse and not just filled with rich kids with privilege. Without scholarship money, some of the world's smartest minds would've never had a chance only because of the family situation they were born into.
  • Encourages Charity: the brilliance of scholarships is that it provides people from all social backgrounds with the possibility of giving back. This creates a sense of charity within companies, individuals, organizations, and government entities. The feeling of granting a bursary fund to someone in need is truly exhilarating and you'll surely want to do it again and again.
  • Locates Next Generation Talent: with the thought of having their university studies paid for, students from all backgrounds and social classes deem it a reality to get a degree and not solely a far-off dream. Therefore, scholarships attract next-generation talent across a variety of sectors such as the sciences, modern languages, and education, to name a few. Bursary funds support an industry's need for innovation. It's worth stating that scholarships with an internship at the end, set companies up with valuable employees.

There you have it: three of the top reasons why scholarships are so important. Companies, organisations, and individuals should take The Big Bang Theory's lead in this regard. Everyone should do their part to make education inclusive, equal, and appealing to all types of students.

In conclusion, since it's such a great idea, will other high-earning television series follow Big Bang’s lead? Wouldn't it be great to imagine an MBA funded by The Office, a forensic science degree supported by The Killing, or a cooking scholarship funded by Masterchef? Here's to hoping that ridiculously wealthy actors and producers make it a habit to give money to hardworking students in need!

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Brentyn

Avid movie-goer, reader, skier and language learner. Passionate about life, food and travelling.