Howard University and Netflix have announced the launch of a $5.4 million endowed scholarship in honor of the late actor, director, writer, and producer Chadwick A. Boseman, a Howard alumnus. 

The Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship will provide incoming students in the College of Fine Arts with a four-year scholarship to cover the full cost of tuition. Sponsored by Netflix, inaugural scholarships were awarded to one student in each class: Sarah Long, a freshman in musical theatre; Shawn Smith, a sophomore studying acting; Janee' Ferguson, a junior in theatre arts administration; and senior Deirdre Dunkin, who studies dance. Starting in 2022, they will be awarded to an incoming freshman each year, with a focus on students who exemplify exceptional skills in the arts as Boseman did and demonstrates financial need.

"Many exemplary artists are not afforded the opportunity to pursue higher learning. We hope to support as many students as possible by removing the financial barrier to education. This endowment represents Chad's devotion to the craft, his compassion for others and his desire to support future storytellers," said Simone Ledward-Boseman, Boseman's widow. "My deepest thanks to [Netflix executives] Ted Sarandos, Scott Stuber, and our family at Netflix for their generous investment into the education of all present and future Boseman Scholars, and to [Howard University] president Wayne Frederick, [College of Fine Arts] dean Phylicia Rashad, and [vice president of development and alumni relations] David Bennett for their partnership and continued commitment to Chad's legacy at Howard. 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."