Celebrating National STEM Day on Nov. 8 by Helping Students Pursue STEM Careers

Link to B-roll video and soundbites of STEM recipients

OAKLAND, Calif., Nov. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The PG&E Corporation Foundation (PG&E Foundation) awarded $327,500 in scholarships to dozens of students pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) at colleges and universities across California and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide.

As communities celebrate National STEM Day on Nov. 8, the PG&E Foundation reaffirms its commitment to building tomorrow’s workforce through investments in STEM education and scholarships.

This year, scholarships in the amounts of $2,500, $5,000 and $10,000 are being granted to 57 students from across Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (PG&E) service area through the program.

Since 2012, the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program has awarded nearly $8 million to accomplished students. This contribution is funded by PG&E shareholders and is not recovered through customer rates.

By investing in STEM education, the Foundation helps inspire curiosity, creativity, and innovation while empowering students to develop solutions and technologies that can make a positive impact in their hometown communities and beyond.

Scholarship recipients include Quennel Kempe of Fresno and Caden Kelly of Shingle Springs. Both students attend UC Berkeley. Kempe received a $5,000 scholarship and Kelly received a $2,500 scholarship.

“Receiving the PG&E STEM Scholarship shows me that my community believes in me. The financial assistance and encouragement give me the confidence to achieve my goals and make a greater impact in the future,” said Kempe, who is studying computer science. 

“The PG&E STEM Scholarship has given me the freedom to focus fully on my education without the added stress of financial challenges. It also serves as a reminder of the values I want to carry forward, using my education to give back to my community, supporting others and helping make STEM opportunities more accessible for future generations,” said Kelly who is studying electrical engineering.

Scholarships are based on academic achievement, demonstrated participation and leadership in school and community activities, and financial need. Recipients may reapply annually for up to five years.

Watch PG&E’s video series of past STEM scholar recipients.

“We hope these students discover a path in science, technology, engineering, and math that not only leads to new innovations and breakthroughs but also brings them fulfillment and a sense of purpose. We are proud to support them on their journey as they pursue their higher education goals and dreams,” said Carla Peterman, President, PG&E Corporation, and Chair of The PG&E Corporation Foundation Board.

Scholarship recipients must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study for the entire 2026-2027 academic year and pursue their first undergraduate degree at an accredited four-year institution in California. HBCU eligibility was recently added after an increasing number of applicants were admitted to historically Black colleges and universities, none of which are in California.

Employees Supporting Local Scholars

In addition to the Better Together STEM Scholarship Program, PG&E’s 11 employee resource groups (ERGs) and three engineering networking groups (ENGs) award scholarships to help offset the cost of higher education. The funds are raised entirely from employee contributions through direct donations, fundraising events and the company’s employee giving program known as Campaign for the Community. Since 1989, more than $6 million ERG/ENG Scholarships has been raised and awarded to thousands of our hometown students.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than 16 million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit www.pge.com/ and http://www.pge.com/about/newsroom/.

About The PG&E Corporation Foundation
The PG&E Corporation Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, separate from PG&E and sponsored by PG&E Corporation.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pge-corporation-foundation-awards-327-500-in-stem-college-scholarships-302932238.html

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company