High School Grads Have Big Plans For Their Share of SoCalGas Scholarship Fund

Briana Mercado, one of 56 California high school graduates who will share $235,000 from the Southern California Gas Co. Scholarship Fund, plans to study mechanical engineering at Caltech in Pasadena.

A graduate of Warren High School in Downey, Mercado said she couldn’t wait to participate in research “that will lead to creating more sustainable spacecraft and technology.”

Under the program, students who plan to attend a community college or trade school receive $1,000 scholarships, and those who plan to attend a four-year college or university, as does Mercado, get $5,000.

Eighty-six percent of the recipients this year are students of color, SoCalGas said.

Since the program’s inception in 2001, SoCalGas has awarded more than $2.9 million in scholarships to over 2,270 students evaluated on their academic achievements, community involvement and a personal statement regarding California’s clean energy future.

Students who are awarded scholarships are mostly majoring in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), accounting and finance.

“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,” Carrasco said

Melea Earley, who graduated from La Serna High School in Whittier, will be attending Howard University, with a major in environmental studies and a minor in African-American studies.

“I am excited to address how social justice issues can relate, and impact environmental issues in society today,” Earley said in the SoCalGas statement. “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.”

Sharina Batista, a Mt. San Jacinto College graduate, will be pursuing a degree in computer science and cybersecurity at Cal State Fullerton. She said the scholarship means a lot to her.

“It will help me pay for college while pursuing my dreams,” Batista said.

Besides providing college scholarships, SoCalGas also supports technology-based learning in STEM programs for K-12 students in schools within the company’s service area.