#United States #Oakland #Education Support #STEM Scholarships #PG&E Foundation

Promoting STEM Education with Significant Scholarship Investment

On November 6, 2026, the PG&E Corporation Foundation made a remarkable commitment to the future of education by awarding a substantial total of $327,500 in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). This initiative aligns closely with the celebration of National STEM Day on November 8, showcasing the foundation's dedication to investing in the next generation of innovators.

Championing Future Workforce

The scholarships were awarded to 57 students attending various universities across California, as well as Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. The funding includes scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000, enabling students from the Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PGE) service area to pursue their academic ambitions without the burdens of financial stress. Since launching the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program in 2012, the foundation has bestowed nearly $8 million in scholarships, supporting the educational journeys of numerous accomplished students. Importantly, this funding comes from PG&E shareholders and is not recouped through customer rates, showcasing a commitment to community investment.

Inspiring Students to Pursue STEM Careers

Among the recipients are notable students such as Quennel Kempe from Fresno and Caden Kelly from Shingle Springs, both currently enrolled at UC Berkeley. Kempe expressed his gratitude for the $5,000 scholarship, sharing, “Receiving the PGE STEM Scholarship shows me that my community believes in me. The financial assistance and encouragement give me the confidence to achieve my goals and make a greater impact in the future.”

Kelly, who received $2,500, also recognizes the scholarship's positive influence on his studies, stating, “The PGE STEM Scholarship has given me the freedom to focus fully on my education without the added stress of financial challenges.” Both students demonstrate the profound impact that financial support can have on their academic and career aspirations.

Scholarships Based on Merit

The foundation's scholarship program emphasizes merit by considering recipients based on academic achievement, participation in school and community activities, leadership abilities, and financial needs. Students can reapply annually for up to five years, ensuring ongoing support for their educational journeys.

Carla Peterman, President of PG&E Corporation and Chair of the PG&E Corporation Foundation Board, highlighted the dual goal of these scholarships. She said, “We hope these students discover a path in science, technology, engineering, and math that not only leads to new innovations and breakthroughs but also brings them fulfillment and a sense of purpose.”

Community Support Through Employee Contributions

In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E empowers local students through various employee resource groups (ERGs) and engineering networking groups (ENGs) that offer scholarships as well. These funds predominantly come from employee donations, fundraising events, and the company's Campaign for the Community, which has successfully raised over $6 million since 1989 to support aspiring scholars.

About PG&E Corporation

PG&E Corporation operates as a combined natural gas and electric utility, serving over 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. To learn more about their initiatives and community involvement, visit www.pge.com.

About The PGE Corporation Foundation

The PG&E Corporation Foundation serves as a key nonprofit entity, providing crucial funding and awareness to various educational and community-focused initiatives while being separate from PG&E itself. Through these educational investments, the foundation aims to empower the future workforce and inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM fields.