Edison International supports tomorrow’s engineers and computer scientists

In 2012, Edison International revised its giving priorities. Recognizing the transformative role that higher education plays in people’s lives, the company resolved to provide direct support for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education, college access and college readiness to all institutions of higher education in its service areas. Two years later, CECS became one of the beneficiaries, when Edison generously funded eight scholarships for CSUN engineering and computer science students from underrepresented backgrounds. The scholarships represent the first-ever contribution the company has made to the college and a significant investment in CECS students.

“Edison places special emphasis on awarding scholarships to underrepresented and underserved students pursuing careers in the STEM fields,” says Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy and Community Investment at Southern California Edison. “As an energy company, we recognize the skills needed for our future workforce and the country, so we focus our educational funding on programs that prepare students to excel in the STEM fields. Our very own business growth depends on a supply of young people with STEM expertise.”

In addition to ensuring a pipeline of qualified future employees, Edison is committed to hiring a workforce that reflects the ethnic diversity of its customer base. Through the scholarships, underserved and ethnic minorities in the college will have a greater opportunity to attend college, which in turn will help produce the STEM professionals that the nation needs to remain competitive in the global marketplace.