PG&E Announces $1 Million Scholarship Program

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing dedication to strengthening communities throughout California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) today announced the launch of its PG&E Bright Minds™ Scholarship program. PG&E will award up to $1 million in scholarships to enable high school, community college and "non-traditional" students to complete their higher education paths. Bright Minds scholarship winners will receive full-ride scholarships of up to $30,000 per year; program finalists will receive $2,500 toward their studies.

"Over the last decade, PG&E has contributed nearly $40 million toward educational initiatives and, with today's announcement, we are proud to deepen our commitment to education and to the communities we have the privilege of serving," said Chris Johns, president of PG&E. "By supporting deserving students, we can help them realize their full potential."

The PG&E Bright Minds scholarships will be awarded based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement. Eligible students will be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the duration of the 2012-2013 academic year.

The deadline for applying for the PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship is February 17, 2012. For more information and to apply, visit www.pge.com/brightminds. Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

In addition to the scholarship opportunities available through the PG&E Bright Minds program, the PG&E Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are also accepting applications for a wide variety of scholarships. In 2011, PG&E's ERGs awarded more than $255,000 to 153 students. More information can be found on the "Scholarship" link at www.pge.com/community. The deadline to apply for the ERG scholarships is January 17.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE:PCG), and the PG&E Corporation Foundation strive to power strong communities throughout Northern and Central California. In 2011, PG&E contributed over $23 million to more than 1,100 charitable organizations, including matching the generosity of employees who donated more than $5.3 million and volunteered 31,000 hours to company-supported events. Community investments are funded entirely by shareholders. For more information, visit www.pge.com/community.

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company