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Exciting Opportunity for California STEM Students

The PG&E Corporation Foundation, known for its commitment to educational support, has launched the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program for 2025. This program is aimed at encouraging high school seniors, current college students, and non-traditional students from Northern and Central California who are pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

With a total of $350,000 available in scholarship funds, eligible applicants can compete for awards ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. The scholarships are designed not only to ease the financial burden of higher education but also to support students who have made positive contributions to their communities or have faced and overcome personal challenges. Carla Peterman, Executive Vice President at PG&E, emphasizes the organization's dedication to nurturing the next generation of innovators and leaders essential for California’s transition to a clean energy future.

Expanding Opportunities

Over the years, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has adapted to the changing needs of students. Notably, the initiative has grown from 40 to 60 scholarships since 2023, thereby allowing more students to benefit from financial assistance. Furthermore, PG&E has recognized the trend of increasing applications from students intending to attend Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and as such, eligibility for the scholarship now extends to students who are aspiring to enroll in HBCUs across the United States, alongside California institutions.

Scholarship Criteria and Application Process

Students interested in applying must meet specific eligibility criteria:

• - Be a high school senior, recent graduate, or current undergraduate student.
• - Hold a GED certification if applicable.
• - Be a dependent of a resident in PG&E's service area in Northern and Central California.
• - Plan to enroll full-time for an undergraduate degree in the academic year 2025-2026.
• - Pursue degrees in qualifying STEM fields such as engineering, computer science, and environmental sciences.

Applications will be assessed based on academic performance, leadership roles in school and community activities, and financial need. The deadline for submitting applications is set for March 14, 2025, with awards to be announced by August of the same year.

Beyond the Better Together Scholarships

In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E runs various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and Engineering Networking Groups (ENGs) that provide additional scholarship opportunities. Funded through employee donations and fundraising events, these groups have distributed over $6 million in scholarships since 1989, benefiting thousands of students. Interested individuals are encouraged to explore these opportunities and apply through the respective channels linked on PG&E’s official website.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception in 2012, PG&E has awarded an impressive $7.45 million through its Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, recognizing students who exemplify community leadership, personal achievements, and academic excellence. Previous recipients have shared inspiring stories about how these scholarships have enabled them to pursue ambitious academic paths and achieve their professional aspirations.

To find out more about the scholarship program and to apply, prospective students can visit the PG&E Foundation’s official page for detailed information. Don’t miss this chance to advance your education and make a significant impact in your community through STEM disciplines.