Cerritos Student Scores $40,000 Edison Scholarship

Hannah Chen hopes her college studies will help her develop a program to prevent wildfires.

B-roll (Hannah Chen)

When Hannah Chen saw the camera crews at Gretchen Whitney High School in Cerritos, she figured it was part of a video being shot to promote her award-winning school.

She even played along when she was called up to the front of her Advanced Placement Psychology class while the cameras were rolling.

What she wasn’t expecting was what came next — being presented with a $40,000 college scholarship by Edison International, parent company of Southern California Edison.

Edison Scholars scholarship winner Hannah Chen want to study computer science at Cal Tech. — Edison Scholars scholarship winner Hannah Chen wants to study computer science at Cal Tech.

“We have a passion for clean energy and are investing in the future of our communities by giving to our kids,” said Caroline Choi, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs for Edison International and SCE, in presenting the oversized scholarship check. “We are hoping you are successful in college to help build a better tomorrow.”

Whitney High senior Hannah Chen (center) displays her $40,000 Edison scholars check. — Whitney High School senior Hannah Chen (center) displays her $40,000 Edison Scholars check with her mother, Jianquing (left), and Caroline Choi, senior vice president of Edison International and SCE .

Hannah is one of 30 high school seniors selected from among 722 applicants to be awarded an Edison Scholars scholarship this year. To qualify, the recipients must live in SCE’s service area, have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, show financial need and plan to pursue studies in the fields of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) at a four-year accredited college or university.

Since 2006, Edison International has awarded more than $9.9 million in scholarships to 640 students including the 2019 Edison Scholars.

Hannah Chen poses with the Edison Scholars gold medalion she received with her $40,000 college scholarship. — Hannah Chen poses with the Edison Scholars gold medallion she received with her $40,000 college scholarship.

Hannah said the scholarship will go far in helping with her tuition at California Institute of Technology, where she plans to major in computer science.

“I know Edison places a big focus on sustainability and I think that’s really important for our future,” said Hannah, who hopes to use her studies to help predict and prevent wildfires. “With this scholarship, I will be able to pursue those dreams.”

Hannah Chen is videotaped at the Whitney High School campus after winning a $40,000 Edison Scholars scholarship

The Edison Scholars Program is funded by Edison International shareholder dollars, not ratepayer dollars.
For more information about STEM internships and careers at SCE, visit: edisoncareers.com.