More than 50 students from Northern and Central California have been awarded scholarships through the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, sponsored by The PG&E Corporation Foundation. The foundation is providing over $300,000 in scholarship funds to support students pursuing degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields.
This year, 54 students received scholarships ranging from $2,500 to $10,000. Among the recipients are Erin Virnig of Arroyo Grande and Christopher Loupeda of Sacramento. Virnig was awarded a $10,000 scholarship for her studies in biological sciences at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She said, “Being supported by a company that leads with such ambition toward a clean energy and safer future across California is not only an immense gift, but an inspiration. As I enter my final year of undergraduate study focused on environmental stewardship in California, I feel more driven than ever to put that vision into action through the work I do. …I am honored to be a recipient of the Better Together STEM scholarship.”
Loupeda received a $5,000 scholarship as he pursues civil engineering at University of California, Los Angeles. He stated, “The PG&E scholarship is not only about monetary value, it’s a reminder that I have a whole coalition behind me, reassuring me that I can focus on and only on finishing my education.”
Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Recipients must enroll full-time for the 2025-2026 academic year at an accredited four-year institution in California or at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) anywhere in the United States. HBCU eligibility was added three years ago after applications showed interest from students admitted to these institutions.
Carla Peterman, PG&E Corporation Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer and Chair of the Board of The PG&E Corporation Foundation commented: “It is truly a privilege to recognize our 2025 PG&E Better Together STEM Scholars. For more than a decade, The PG&E Corporation Foundation has helped lessen the financial burden of college for families — our customers — by supporting incredible students as they pursue their higher education goals and dreams. There is perhaps no better investment than supporting the young doers and thinkers who will innovate and develop solutions to care for people, our planet and prosperity. We’re excited to be a part of their journeys.”
Since its start in 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has distributed more than $7.8 million to students; all funds come from charitable donations made by PG&E shareholders rather than customers.
PG&E’s support for education also includes scholarships funded by its employee resource groups (ERGs) and engineering networking groups (ENGs). These scholarships are financed entirely through employee contributions via direct donations or fundraising efforts under Campaign for the Community. Since 1989, over $6 million has been raised for ERG/ENG Scholarships benefiting thousands of local students.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company serves more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California as part of its utility operations under parent company PG&E Corporation.
For additional details about this announcement or related initiatives visit https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pge-awards-more-than-50-scholarships-to-students-across-northern-and-central-california-helping-ease-college-costs-for-families-302530417.html.
