12 La Sierra students win Edison STEM scholarships

  Science+Technology+Environment  

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – During the final weeks of the past academic school year, 12 La Sierra University students got an extra boost in covering their tuition thanks to one of the nation’s largest energy providers.

Students in STEM disciplines at La Sierra University for the past two years have had the opportunity to apply for Edison International scholarships. (Photo: Natan Vigna)
Students in STEM disciplines at La Sierra University for the past two years have had the opportunity to apply for Edison International scholarships. (Photo: Natan Vigna)

The students, majors in computer science, mathematics, physics and chemistry, each received a $2,083 scholarship this spring from Edison International’s Edison Scholars Scholarship program which supports students aiming for careers in science, technology, engineering or math, the STEM disciplines.

The funds derive from a $25,000 Edison International grant the university received last December, the second such award for La Sierra.

The students filled out applications during the winter quarter with eligibility determined in part on grade point average, financial need, and campus involvement. The scholarship winners are as follows:

• Computer Science -- Ethan Morales-Vierna, Jeremiah Tan, Jonathan Hernandez, Luis Hidalgo, Mason Channer, and Mia Laurea.

• Mathematics -- Bowen Xiao, Brien Grant, Edgar Padilla, Timothy Royce Olarte.

• Physics -- Amadeo Gonzalez.

• Chemistry -- Szu Han.

“We are very pleased to be able to continue the Edison Scholars program at La Sierra University,” said Marvin Payne, chair of La Sierra’s chemistry and biochemistry department following the receipt of this school year’s grant. “Edison International is providing assistance to students majoring in areas that can have long-term effects by increasing the numbers of trained professionals in STEM disciplines critical to the infrastructure of the United States. The $25,000 award will all go toward scholarships that will give our students assistance toward reaching their academic goals and the designation as an Edison Scholar as a recognition of their commitment to a critical STEM discipline.”

Academic program majors at La Sierra that qualify for the Edison scholarships include mathematics, computer science, information systems, environmental science, chemistry, and physics.

The Edison funds are intended to help fill occupations in fields the United States would like to bolster in its pursuit of innovation. According to the U.S. Department of Education, STEM-related occupations are expected to increase 14 percent overall through 2020, with the greatest increase predicted in biomedical engineering at 62 percent. The field for medical scientists is expected to grow 36 percent, for systems software developers by 32 percent, computer systems analysts by 22 percent, and mathematics jobs by 16 percent.

Edison International, a generator and distributor of electric power, is the parent holding company of Southern California Edison and other subsidiaries. Edison International’s philanthropic arm in 2015 awarded $3.9 million in scholarships and $11.8 million in education grants.

La Sierra University last year received a $25,000 scholarship grant from Edison of which $5,000 was designated to pay for math and science tutors in the Center for Student Academic Success. 

Such awards can have a significant impact on students' lives. Edison scholarship recipient and senior computer science major Mason Channer commented, "I'm grateful to Edison International because this award alleviated the burden of my financial stresses. Like my name, which means 'builder and worker of stone' my career goal is to build masterpiece applications that will empower people to achieve more," he said. "One day I hope my applications will help others [the way] Edison has helped me pursue my dreams in the STEM field."

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