PG&E college grants include Chico student

SAN FRANCISCO » Pacific Gas and Electric Corp. has awarded 40 students with grants for academic success including a Chico student who received a grant worth $2,500 on Tuesday.

The grants totaling $250,000 are being dispersed to 40 students as part of the electric company’s 2021 Better Together STEM Scholarship Program. Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded students roughly $6.5 million based on what the company said in a news release is, “a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.”

The funding of grants comes from PG&E shareholders, not customers, the company said. Awarded students must also live in the service area of the company.

Olivia Seward, a graduate of Chico High School and sophomore at UC Davis is one of the recipients of the grants.

The funds for the 40 scholarships come from the The PG&E Corp. Foundation. This year, 20 scholarships worth $10,000 and 20 scholarships worth $2,500 have been awarded. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing a degree in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math disciplines.

PG&E said this is because, “STEM education fosters ingenuity, creativity, and experimentation, leading to new ideas, innovations, and technological advancements that can have global impact.”

Recipients were decided based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities and financial need.