Netflix Establishes $5.4 Million Chadwick Boseman Scholarship At Howard University

Netflix and Howard University have established a $5.4 million scholarship, called the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, in honor of the esteemed actor.

The scholarship will cover four years of tuition at Howard’s College of Fine Arts for one student every year.

Students who receive the scholarship will have demonstrated a drive for excellence, leadership, respect, empathy, passion, and exceptional skills in the arts, “reminiscent of Boseman,” according to a statement on the university’s website.

“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,” said the Howard University president, Wayne Frederick.

“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 added.

The program was established with the support of Boseman’s wife, Simone Ledward-Boseman, and sponsorship from Netflix, the inaugural donor. 

The first four scholarships will be awarded to one recipient in each class, beginning this Fall 2021, and will continue to be distributed to an incoming freshman each year on an annual basis. 

Howard University is one of the most prestigious historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the US and a world-renowned seat of higher education.

“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,” said Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer.

In addition to keeping in touch with the institution throughout his career, he also gave a commencement speech to the class of 2018.

“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,” said Dr. Wayne AI Frederick, president of Howard University.

For more information about the Chadwick A. Boseman Memorial Scholarship, contact finearts@howard.edu.