SoCalGas is proud to announce its Class of 2021 scholarship recipients who collectively received more than $235,000 to use towards their education expenses. The scholarship program gives priority to students who are majoring in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), accounting and finance. Students who plan to attend a community college or trade school were awarded $1,000 scholarships and those who plan to attend a four-year college or university were awarded $5,000 scholarships. Applicants were evaluated on their academic achievements, community involvement and a personal statement covering the topic of California’s clean energy future. This year, more than 85% of the scholarship recipients were students of color.
“The future of our communities is tied to a highly skilled and educated workforce. It’s important that we provide students with the support to build a strong foundation that will prepare them for higher education and opportunities,” said Andy Carrasco, vice president of communications, local government and community affairs at SoCalGas. “Our communities are a vital part of our organization, and we believe strongly in nurturing the younger generation for a brighter future.”
Melea Earley, a graduate from La Serna High School, who will be attending Howard University with a major in Environmental Studies and a minor in African American studies said, “I am excited to address how social justice issues can relate, and impact environmental issues in society today. Thankfully with the opportunities and scholarship given to me by SoCalGas, I will be able to use it to further my research as I plan on tackling the injustices of environmental racism in the future.”
Briana Mercado, a graduate from Warren High School in Downey who will be pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering at the California Institute of Technology said, “I am very honored to have received the SoCalGas scholarship. I cannot wait to participate in research that will lead to creating more sustainable spacecraft and technology!”
Sharina Batista, a graduate of Mt. San Jacinto College, who will be pursuing a degree in computer science and cybersecurity at California State University, Fullerton, said, “I am grateful for this opportunity. This scholarship means a lot to me. It will help me pay for college while pursuing my dreams.”
Kennedy Polk, a graduate of St. Mary’s Academy, who will be pursuing a degree in computer science or computer programming at Seattle Pacific University said, "I am so thankful for this scholarship as it will help me buy the necessary requirements to compete with other computer science majors in my field of study. This scholarship will help alleviate some of the financial stress on my mother who has been pushing me to be the best I can be."
We congratulate all of our scholarship recipients and wish them success in their upcoming studies. Full List of 2021 Scholarship Recipients:
Amanda Rodriguez, Sylmar
Belleny Iraheta, Los Angeles
Alonso Gonzalez, San Pedro
Alexis Hernandez, Wilmington
Sarah Rodriguez, Wilmington
Alondra Razon, Wilmington
Kayla Huang, San Pedro
Cecilia Rosales, Pacoima
Kayla Polk, Los Angeles
Kennedy Polk, Los Angeles
Sanii Farley, Los Angeles
Zachariah Holder, Visalia
Edgar Sanchez, Visalia
Katelyn Hackney, Visalia
Oswaldo Gomez, Oxnard
Jade Martinez Pena, Santa Barbara
Antonio Solis, Santa Barbara
Vahram Tukhikyan, Glendale
Noorain Syed, Lancaster
Sargis Darmanjyan, Glendale
Geneva Regpala, Bakersfield
Karlie Lovvik, Palmdale
Linda Lara Pereyra, Santa Barbara
Brandon Nnoli, Santa Barbara
Andrea Wilkes, Palmdale
Evie Sijl, Santa Barbara
Melea Earley, La Mirada
Duong Vincent, South El Monte
Johnson Chase, South Pasadena
John Tran, Santa Ana
Natalie Rivera, Santa Ana
Briana Mercado, Downey
Juliet Rendon, Downey
La'Shaiye Bonner, Long Beach
Rebecca Taheri, Winnetka
Maria Burritt, San Diego
Leslie Medina, San Clemente
Jasmin Carranza, Los Angeles
Jimoh Yusuf, Los Angeles
Julia Cornejo, Rancho Cucamonga
Keagen Ortiz, Montclair
Jaqueline Gomez, Moreno Valley
Sharina Batista, Menifee
Andrea Ulteras, Ontario
Christian Vite, Cherry Valley
Alexander Manjarrez, Calimesa
Sarah Jones, Duarte
Tamyra Taylor, Pomona
Penny Mesa, Covina
Naia Pizarro, Covina
Grace Blanco, Covina
Gael Garcia, Baldwin Park
Joseph Guler, Brawley
Alonzo Valenzuela, Holtville
Breya Barba, Los Angeles
Jazmin Hernandez Perez, Los Angeles
