Netflix and Howard University have established a $5.4 million scholarship in honor of Chadwick Boseman.
On Monday (October 4), the late actor's alma mater announced the creation of The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, which will cover the total cost of University tuition for incoming students in Howard's College of Fine Arts.
"It is with immense pleasure and deep gratitude that we announce the creation of an endowed scholarship in honor of alumnus Chadwick Boseman, whose life and contributions to the arts continue to inspire," Dr. Wayne A. I. Frederick, president of Howard University, said in a press release.
He continued, "This scholarship embodies Chadwick's love for Howard, his passion for storytelling and his willingness to support future generations of Howard students. I am thankful for the continuous support and partnership of Chadwick's wife, Mrs. Simone Ledward-Boseman, and to Netflix for this important gift."
The scholarship will focus on students who exemplify exceptional skills in the arts, have "a drive for excellence, leadership, respect, empathy, and passion," and who demonstrate financial need, according to the press release.
This semester, one scholarship will be awarded to a student from each class year. After that, it will be awarded to one incoming freshman annually.
The inaugural scholarship recipients include Sarah Long, a freshman studying musical theatre; Shawn Smith, a sophomore studying acting; Janee' Ferguson, a junior studying theatre arts administration; and Deirdre Dunkin, a senior studying dance.
The Boseman scholarship announcement comes months after Howard renamed its College of Fine Arts after the late actor, who passed away in August 2020 at 43-years-old following a secret battle with colon cancer.
Chadwick graduated from the HBCU (Historically Black Colleges & Universities) in 2000 after studying directing.