EDISON ENERGIZES THE TRANSFER PIPELINE
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Today, community colleges often serve as a stepping stone to a prestigious University of California degree. But in 1997, education leaders saw too few students transferring from California Community Colleges (CCC) to the UC system, and agreed to work together toward a goal of increasing transfer rates by 33 percent within five years.
Transfer students typically arrive at the university with an established area of focus and proven academic strategy. But once at the UC, time can work against them – they have fewer quarters to establish relationships with faculty, pursue research, or to identify whether they would like to work in an industry or attend graduate school. Moreover, navigating their new environment may be particularly daunting if they are working to support themselves or their families. |
Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship recipients with former CAMP Director Kika Friend (bottom row, fourth from left), 2010
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To relieve some of the burden on transfer students, Juan Francisco Lara, the late CFEP founding director, turned to Southern California Edison (SCE). Lara knew that SCE, one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, had a vested interest in increasing the pipeline of qualified scientists and engineers.
In 2000, the UC/Edison International Scholarship Program was established with a five-year, $500,000 grant, matched by a $1 million commitment from UC. The program, administered by UCI’s CFEP, provided $7,500 each year – which at that time covered the cost of a UC education – to selected historically underrepresented minority in STEM students with financial need who attended one of the dozens of community colleges in SCE’s service area, or who lived in those areas and went on to transfer to any UC with a major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).
“Edison is committed to providing opportunities to a STEM education,” said Alejandro Esparza, SCE Principal Manager of Corporate Giving and Community Engagement. “We know that a STEM education has the power to change lives and communities. We are so proud of our partnership with CFEP to help make the transition into the UC system a reality for these deserving students.”
“This was a laser-targeted strategy between Edison and the UC to make a significant impact among a reasonably small pool of students,” said Santana Ruiz, deputy director of CFEP.
In 2000, the UC/Edison International Scholarship Program was established with a five-year, $500,000 grant, matched by a $1 million commitment from UC. The program, administered by UCI’s CFEP, provided $7,500 each year – which at that time covered the cost of a UC education – to selected historically underrepresented minority in STEM students with financial need who attended one of the dozens of community colleges in SCE’s service area, or who lived in those areas and went on to transfer to any UC with a major in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM).
“Edison is committed to providing opportunities to a STEM education,” said Alejandro Esparza, SCE Principal Manager of Corporate Giving and Community Engagement. “We know that a STEM education has the power to change lives and communities. We are so proud of our partnership with CFEP to help make the transition into the UC system a reality for these deserving students.”
“This was a laser-targeted strategy between Edison and the UC to make a significant impact among a reasonably small pool of students,” said Santana Ruiz, deputy director of CFEP.
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The scholarship program and concurrent efforts helped the CCC and UC boost transfer rates 50 percent – exceeding their original goal.
In 2002, Sandra Tran was a mother of three who visited UCI with a friend, and had no intention of going back to school herself. But the college counselor urged her to reconsider, and in 2006, she transferred to UCI from Cypress College to pursue engineering, with the help of a scholarship from Edison. “I am grateful to the donors, but especially Edison, who helped me reach my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer,” said Tran, who is now a senior manufacturing engineer at the biomedical device company Inari Medical. “Without the support I received, I would not be able to tell you about the success and satisfaction that I now enjoy, having a science degree from UCI and a wonderful career as an engineer.” |
Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship recipients, 2011
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Today, the number of transfers to UC is at an all-time high, and 400 transfer students have been supported by what’s now known as the Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship.
Robert Louis Bloom III won the scholarship when he transferred to UCI from Victor Valley College in 2019.
“The scholarship Edison provided was a big confidence booster for me. Even if I was doubting myself a little bit, I knew someone else wasn’t doubting me. They were willing to invest in me,” said Bloom, who graduated from UCI in 2021 and will begin his doctorate in engineering at UC San Diego in the fall.
Robert Louis Bloom III won the scholarship when he transferred to UCI from Victor Valley College in 2019.
“The scholarship Edison provided was a big confidence booster for me. Even if I was doubting myself a little bit, I knew someone else wasn’t doubting me. They were willing to invest in me,” said Bloom, who graduated from UCI in 2021 and will begin his doctorate in engineering at UC San Diego in the fall.
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I am grateful to the donors, but especially Edison, who helped me reach my goal of becoming a biomedical engineer. Without the support I received, I would not be able to tell you about the success and satisfaction that I now enjoy, having a science degree from UCI and a wonderful career as an engineer.
Alumna, Senior Manufacturing Engineer. Inari Medical |
Bloom and other Edison scholars are also invited to participate in the California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) at UCI, which provides classes, resources and events rooted in community building and meaningful engagement to increase underrepresented students’ success in STEM degrees and careers.
“The scholarship is an excellent resource to ensure that minoritized transfer students receive the support they need to thrive in STEM,” said Dr. Pheather R. Harris, CAMP director. “With this scholarship, we are able to mitigate some of the financial burdens students experience.” Today, the Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship solely supports UCI students, and Edison has provided nearly $2.5 million to support the program, with an annual match from UCI. Although the cost of a UC degree has increased over the years, Dr. Harris points out that any program that eases the burden of working while going to school, or reduces student debt, will allow students to go further in their educational journey. |
Anthony Meza is a case in point. He said the Edison scholarship allowed him to quit his job in IT and instead attend conferences and faculty reading groups where he forged valuable relationships that not only helped him define his academic interests, but ultimately led him to graduate school. This fall, he will enroll in a doctorate program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
“The Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship made money one less thing I had to worry about, and that safety net let me go out and explore what I wanted to do,” said Meza, who graduated from UCI with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 2021. “I’m super grateful for that.”
“The Edison STEM Transfer Scholarship made money one less thing I had to worry about, and that safety net let me go out and explore what I wanted to do,” said Meza, who graduated from UCI with a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics in 2021. “I’m super grateful for that.”
The preceding story is part of the "CFEP: 25 Years of Impact" series, honoring the people, programs and partnerships that have helped impact millions of students, teachers and families over the past quarter century. View the entire series here.
