LOS ANGELES, July 24, 2024 – Southern California Gas Co. (SoCalGas) announced today that 29 students in Central and Southern California will receive a total of $314,000 from the SoCalGas Scholarship Program to pursue higher education at four-year universities, community colleges, and trade schools. For those attending four-year universities, the $5,000 scholarship can be renewed, providing a total of $20,000 over four years. Students planning to attend community colleges and trade schools will receive $1,000 each toward eligible programs. Additionally, 28 scholarship recipients from 2022 and 2023 will see their $5,000 scholarships renewed.
“For over 20 years, SoCalGas has been dedicated to empowering students by providing scholarships that enhance their access to higher education, support their journey to becoming future professionals, and contribute to a diverse pipeline of talent,” said Andy Carrasco, vice president of communications, local government, and community affairs for SoCalGas. Since the program’s inception in 2001, SoCalGas has awarded over $3.9 million in scholarships to 2,355 students.
The SoCalGas Scholarship Program evaluates students based on their academic achievements, community involvement, financial need, and personal statements discussing sustainable energy in California. In collaboration with Scholarship America®, the program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math, finance, accounting, business administration, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or welding across central and southern California.
“I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious and generous scholarship opportunity from SoCalGas,” said Kevin Gewaid, graduate of Upland High School. “In the fall, I will attend California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, where I will study Mechanical Engineering. Growing up, I always had a passion for technology and repairing devices, and companies like SoCalGas have been an inspiration to me. This scholarship will allow me to focus on the passion I have always dreamed of pursuing, without the financial burden. Thank you to SoCalGas for encouraging and supporting my dreams and helping me take this significant step towards my future career.”
“With the financial support from SoCalGas, I will be able to focus on my learning and pay for books and other class material. I am looking forward to attending Chaffey College where I will study biology,” said LacyAnn Griffin, graduate of Rancho Cucamonga High School. “I am beyond grateful to the SoCalGas team for awarding me this scholarship and recognizing my accomplishments such as maintaining an above 4.0 avg while participating in school sport and clubs.”
“I am honored to have been selected for this prestigious and generous scholarship opportunity from SoCalGas,” said Ian Lucas, graduate of Jurupa Hills High School. “In the fall, I will attend Chaffey College where I will study Business Marketing. Thank you to SoCalGas for granting me this scholarship, which will allow me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial burdens and enable me to fully engage in campus activities and resources to enhance my education and career prospects.”
In June, SoCalGas brought this year’s scholarship recipients together for a virtual recognition event where the students learned about SoCalGas’ mission, internships, and entry level positions. The students also had the opportunity to network with employees that currently work in their planned field of study.
Under the ASPIRE 2045 Sustainability Strategy, SoCalGas plans to invest $50 million over five years into communities the company serves, working to advance racial and gender diversity in the workplace and taking tangible steps towards a carbon neutral future. By providing resources for higher education and career development, SoCalGas aspires to empower communities and help prepare young leaders for success.
