On Wednesday, Avalon High senior Arlene Cazares Garcia was surprised with the news that she had been chosen a 2023 Edison Scholar. Thirty local high school students in Southern California Edison’s service area have been selected as Edison Scholars.
High school seniors with big dreams who want to make a difference in the world through the study of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) were invited to become Edison Scholars, through the Edison International $1.5 million scholarship program.
Arlene’s father was diagnosed with cancer in 2021. He always encouraged her to prioritize education and, after her dad passed, she persevered in school and maintained a 4.0 GPA. Her geometry teacher, Ms. Finley, nurtured her interest in STEM. When Arlene is done with college, she plans on returning to Catalina to become a teacher or an engineer working on providing sustainable energy for the island. It is very important to her for students to understand that their world is larger than an island in the Pacific, it is a place of infinite creativity.
Each student will receive a $50,000 scholarship to further their academic studies in STEM at a U.S. college or university.
In her application packet, Arlene stated that one of the reasons she is looking to pursue a career in science came from her experiences and observances growing up on Catalina Island.
“Growing up on Catalina Island, the effects of climate change are something I see constantly,” Arlene said.
She noted things like water scarcity, sea level change and plastic in oceans that she sees impacting her island home. She said she has learned that new ideas, such as genetically modified enzymes that consume plastic may offer new hope for cleaning the oceans of plastic waste. She is looking to possibly major in engineering or mathematics. But she is sure she wants to work towards helping solve the problems she has seen.
“[It] motivates me to want to leave an impact that will help better my community and environment,” Arlene said.
Each year, Edison International awards scholarships to 30 high school seniors who live in Southern California Edison’s service area. This year, the scholarship award amount has increased from $40,000 to $50,000, paid over four years. In addition, Edison Scholars are now eligible for a paid summer internship with SCE upon completing their first year of school. Scholars must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and complete the required hiring screening.
“I am so pleased that we are expanding the Edison Scholars Program by increasing the scholarship amount and giving the students an opportunity to work as a paid intern,” said Pedro J. Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International. “The passion, resiliency and commitment of our Edison Scholars to follow their dreams is incredibly inspiring. We will need the next generation of STEM students to help lead society’s transition to a clean energy future. I encourage high school seniors from all backgrounds to apply for the Edison Scholars Program.”
Applicants must live in SCE’s service area and plan to be a full-time undergraduate student majoring in a STEM field, cybersecurity or data analytics. Eligible students also must have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need. SCE encourages students from underserved communities, underrepresented groups and first-generation college students to apply.
Edison International has awarded more than $13.5 million in scholarships to 730 students through the Edison Scholars Program since 2006. Edison International, the parent company of SCE, is one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributors in Southern California. The Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.
