Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) set up a mobile command center truck outside American River College Tuesday so that students would have the opportunity to fill out applications for the Bright Minds Scholarship program.
PG&E will award scholarships to enable high school, community college and “non-traditional” students to complete their higher education paths.
Bright Minds scholarship winners will receive scholarships of up to $20,000 per year for up to five years; program finalists will receive $2,000 towards their studies.
“PG&E has provided nearly $70 million towards educational initiatives over the last decade, and we are proud to help further the educational goals of local students in communities we have the privilege of serving,” said Ezra Garrett, vice president of community relations.
“By awarding scholarships to accomplished and deserving students, PG&E is creating opportunities for today’s students to reach their full potential tomorrow,” Garrett said.
Since 2012, the PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship program has awarded nearly $3 million to accomplished students based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.
All majors are eligible, with preference given to students majoring in engineering.
Eligible students will be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the duration of the 2015-2016 academic year.
“Scholarships are to be used within California,” said Brandi Ehlers, a spokesperson for PG&E.
The application deadline for the scholarships is Feb. 9.
As Ehlers tried to lure students using her bull horn, Amia Tisdale, an ARC student, decided to apply on the spot.
Tisdale plans to use the scholarship to fulfill her dream of being a physical therapist. After ARC, she plans to transfer to Long Beach State College.
Dolores Masters wanted to apply as well. Masters already has an in home caring business for seniors called Healthful Pathways, Affordable Care for Seniors. She plans to attend Sacramento State University and will major in Gerontology and Aging Studies.
Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.
