SDG&E’s STEM Scholarships Fuel Diverse Innovators
San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) is transforming the lives of 10 local college students pursing an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as part of the Inspiring Leaders giving initiative. In 2023, SDG&E launched the Inspiring Future Leaders STEM Scholarship Program, which builds on the company’s long history of investing in STEM education to foster the region’s future generations of diverse and highly skilled workforce.
This program was created to help bring down the financial barriers that can hinder the success of underrepresented students. Scholarship recipients who maintain their eligibility at a two- or four-year college or university can have their scholarships renewed for an additional three years. This model of a multi-year, renewable scholarship means the students could receive a total of $40,000 in financial aid from SDG&E.
Kathy Caputo, director of Partners in College Success (PiCS), said it is rare to see multi-year, renewable scholarships of the size offered by SDG&E. “Many of the students we work with need financial support throughout their college career in order to complete their degrees,” Caputo said.
College acceptance only marks the beginning of a journey in higher education. SDG&E wants to ensure students make it to graduation and with minimal debt as they enter the workforce.
Last fall, the 10 selected recipients from communities served by SDG&E began their college careers across the country, many of whom are the first in their family to do so. They are pursuing degrees in biochemistry, biology, civil engineering, data science, marine science, mechanical engineering, neuroscience and physics.
As the students adapted to their new college lives, the financial support from the scholarship made it easier for them to focus on their academics and creating lifelong experiences. All 10 recipients have excelled in their first year and are eligible to renew their scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year.
First-generation Mexican American college student and 2023 scholarship recipient, Diana Garcia, is an incoming sophomore at UCLA pursuing a biochemistry degree. At a young age, Diana learned how to utilize public transportation to commute between home and school. Her grit and resourcefulness ensured she did not have to sacrifice her education despite difficult life circumstances.
Through her involvement with nonprofit organizations like Partners in College Success (PiCS), MANA de San Diego, Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) and San Diego Squared (SD2), Diana has created a community of support that she can rely on in every stage of her life. These same organizations have also received funding from SDG&E through the Inspiring Future Leaders giving initiative to continue the shared mission of advancing diversity in STEM. Diana’s story is a testament to the interconnectedness and importance of nonprofits in our region, who make it possible for women like Diana to envision themselves in STEM careers.
“This scholarship is not solely an investment in my education but also to future generations of Latinas and Latinos who aspire for a career in the STEM field. We belong,” said Diana Garcia.
The scholarship program accepts applications biannually and awards 10 recipients with a $10,000 scholarship per cycle. The next cycle will accept applications in early 2025. The scholarship is administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations and individuals.
The program is funded by company shareholders, not SDG&E customers. To learn more visit www.sdge.com/scholarship.
