Netflix and Howard University have announced a joint scholarship in honor of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship is a full-tuition scholarship covering all four years for a student enrolled at the university's College of Fine Arts, which was also renamed after Boseman earlier this year. 

The scholarship will start this fall and has been awarded to a student from each class. Eventually, it will be granted to one incoming freshman annually.

“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 statement, per the university's newsroom.

“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," Frederick continued. 

The scholarship received support from Boseman's wife and will be awarded to students who showcase an exemplary artistic skill set and a financial need.

Additionally, students should show academic excellence, leadership, respect, empathy and passion. 

Netflix co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos added that although the actor's death was untimely, "his spirit is with us always in his work and the good that he has inspired.”

“He always spoke of his time at Howard and the positive way it shaped his life and career. Now, we will have the opportunity to give many future superheroes a chance to experience the same. We are grateful to Simone and Chadwick’s whole family and our partners at Howard University for making this possible,” Sarandos continued.

Boseman, a notable Howard University alum, died of colon cancer in August 2020 at the age of 43. He had been battling the deadly disease privately for four years. Shortly after his abrupt death, Netflix released his final two films, Da 5 Bloods and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.

Ledward-Boseman acknowledged that many artists are not provided with many opportunities to seek higher education. She added that they hope the scholarship will eliminate that barrier for some students.

"I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and amazed at the love and dedication shown by so many continuing to honor my husband’s work. I know he’d be proud,” she said. 

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