#United States #Oakland #Higher Education #Pacific Gas and Electric #College Scholarships

More Than $300,000 in Scholarships Available for California Students

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) has officially opened applications for its college scholarship program, with over $300,000 in funding available for students in Northern and Central California. This initiative aims to support high school graduates and current college attendees wishing to advance their education.

Funding from Employee Resource Groups

The scholarships are established primarily through generous contributions from PG&E employees. Specifically, 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) and two engineering network groups (ENGs) have collaborated to create and fund these scholarships to foster an inclusive workplace culture while supporting local students.

The source of these funds stems from donations made by coworkers, organized fundraising events, and the company's coworker giving program. Each scholarship awarded ranges from $1,000 to $6,000, rewarding candidates for both their academic excellence and their noteworthy leadership in the community.

Application Process and Deadline

Students eager to pursue these scholarship opportunities must adhere to the application deadline set for February 28. Detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and application processes can be found on PG&E’s official website, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all interested applicants.

Supporting Future Leaders

Deb Sinta, PG&E's Senior Vice President of Talent, Culture, and People, expressed that these scholarships play a crucial role in nurturing young talents. “Our ERG and ENG scholarships support the ambitions and dreams of young people in the hometowns we serve. They help open doors to develop future leaders and breakthrough thinkers,” she stated, indicating the company's commitment to the communities they serve.

Voices From Previous Recipients

Reflecting on the impact of the scholarships, past recipients shared their ambitions and career aspirations. Lina Kaci, a computer science student at UC Berkeley and 2025 ERG scholarship recipient, stated, “I hope to work as either a software engineer or cybersecurity analyst to ensure a world where everyone may stay secure in this digital age.” Similarly, Kirby Fung, who is pursuing engineering at the California Institute of Technology, noted, “My career goal is to become a researcher to create efficient power solutions to address global energy challenges.”

A Legacy of Philanthropy

Since the inception of these scholarship programs in 1989, PG&E's ERGs and ENGs have collectively contributed over $6 million in scholarships to thousands of recipients. With more than 6,500 of the company’s employees participating in these groups, the initiative stands as a testament to PG&E’s ongoing pledge to uplift their workforce and support their communities.

The various ERG and ENG groups available include networks for individuals with disabilities, veterans, the LGBTQ+ community, and many more, ensuring a wide coverage of support across all demographics.

Additional Support Programs

In addition to the ERG and ENG scholarships, PG&E supports other scholarship initiatives through the Pacific Service Employees Association (PSEA), which provides funding for the dependents of company employees, as well as a dedicated STEM scholarships program offered by The PG&E Corporation Foundation.

Conclusion

As the application deadline approaches, students are encouraged to take advantage of this generous funding initiative that aims to relieve the financial burden of higher education. PG&E’s commitment to supporting future leaders serves not only to enhance the lives of individual students but also to strengthen the fabric of the communities they inhabit.

For further details, interested students can visit PG&E's official website.