The Big Bang Theory cast launches science scholarship at top university

The cast of hit sitcom The Big Bang Theory has established a scholarship for students studying science and math at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The Emmy-winning series features characters who are physicists and engineers, and now the actors, in partnership with show co-creator Chuck Lorre's Family Foundation, have set up a scholarship for aspiring scientists at the top university.

Lorre's organization and nearly 50 The Big Bang Theory crew and cast members, including Jim Parsons and Kaley Cuoco-Sweeting, have raised more than $4 million for The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment.

It will benefit 20 incoming undergraduate students in need of financial aid and looking to study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) at the university.

Lorre made the announcement in a statement which reads: "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 Big Bang family has made a meaningful contribution, and together, we'll share in the support of these future scholars, scientists and leaders."

The partnership marks the first scholarship endowment created and funded by a television show at UCLA.