Millie Lombera has a clear vision of her future after high school. She wants to be part of the clean power transition to free the environment of fossil fuels.

“Society’s dependence on fossil fuels isn’t just a future issue. It’s a present challenge that requires immediate attention,” Lombera said. “It causes air pollution and is the leading cause of climate change affecting not only us but every living thing on Earth.”

“To save our planet from its deteriorating state, transitioning from gas-run vehicles to electric vehicles is the best big step to reduce carbon emission created by humans,” said the senior at the Math, Science, and Technology Magnet Academy at Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles.

Lombera plans to study computer science in college. She is still finalizing her choice of university but knows she wants to be able to create algorithms to optimize energy usage in EVs and explore the impact of energy grid integration.

Lofty goals for the daughter of immigrants whose family has often struggled financially and has lived in challenging conditions. Lombera says she has lived in a family friend’s basement and now shares a home with two other families.

The hardships pushed her toward education, filling her schedule with after-school activities. She has served as president and lead programmer of Roosevelt’s robotics team, captain of the girls’ varsity volleyball team and secretary of the school site council, in addition to several other clubs. And she has found time to volunteer at a food pantry and a hospital.

Lombera learned today that she won a $50,000 Edison scholarship to help with the cost of her education. To encourage bright minds to contribute to a clean energy future, Edison International awards scholarships each year to 30 high school seniors who plan to study (STEM) science, technology, engineering or math in college and have demonstrated financial need.

“This award is life changing. It secures my education through college, which is amazing,” Lombera said. “This shows that people believe in me and that I can succeed wherever I go.”

Presenting the award in a surprise ceremony at MSTMA at Roosevelt High in front of Lombera’s family and robotics teammates was Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International.

Her mother, Mildred Lombera, has been going through serious health challenges and was moved to tears.

“Ever since I found out about my condition, I have tried to help make her strong. I am very proud of her,” Mildred said.

After the ceremony, Pizarro spent time with Lombera’s family, discovering a common bond.

“It was so special getting to see the excitement on Millie’s face. She is a strong student who has been through a lot of financial hardship,” Pizarro said. “Her father, Jose, told me he never wanted his kids to have jobs during school. Their job was to get an education. My parents used to say the same thing to me because we didn't have much money. My education was my inheritance.”

Pizarro added, “At Edison, we are intently focused on the clean energy future, and it is very encouraging that young, bright minds like Millie want to help us achieve it.”

For more information about the Edison Scholars Program, visit on.edison.com/2024scholars.