Edison Scholars Program

Scholarship Sponsored by Edison International

Below is a clearer, teacher‑style guide to the Edison Scholars program and what you must do to apply. Read it carefully, follow the checklist, and start early — this is a competitive scholarship.

Who is eligible
- Current high school seniors only.
- Cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale (or equivalent).
- Must live in Southern California Edison’s (SCE) service area.
- Your family must have an SCE Customer Number on the utility bill.
- Intend to enroll full time in an accredited four‑year U.S. college or university for the 2026–2027 academic year.
- Intend to major in one of the eligible fields: computer & information systems, engineering, engineering technology, management information systems, mathematics, natural resources & conservation, or physical sciences.
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Note: Dependents of Edison International and SCE employees or retirees are not eligible.

Award details
- Up to 30 awards of $12,500 per year (totaling $50,000 over four years).
- Renewable for up to three additional years (or until a bachelor’s degree is earned), provided you maintain satisfactory academic performance, remain full time in an eligible major, and the Foundation continues the program.
- Renewal awards already granted remain under their original terms.
- All Edison Scholars are eligible to apply for a paid SCE summer internship after completing the first college year; interns must meet hiring requirements and screening.
- Awards apply to undergraduate study only. Recipients attending a U.S. Military Academy receive a one‑time, non‑renewable award.

Timeline and notifications
- Applicants will be notified of their status in February 2026.
- Final recipients will be notified in May 2026.
- Scholarship payments are processed by Scholarship America on behalf of the Edison International Foundation and are disbursed in August.

Important email and account tips
- Use a personal, long‑term email address when you set up your application account — not a school or work email.
- Add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org and the program email (the address shown in your application materials) to your safe senders list.
- Recommenders must also use personal or alternate emails (school emails often block required authentication messages).

How recipients are selected (what matters)
Scholarship decisions are based on:
- Academic performance
- Financial need
- Leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- Two essays: an impact statement and an essay on challenging circumstances
- One online recommendation

The process is competitive. Selection does not consider race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics. Not all finalists will receive scholarships; all decisions are final.

Application requirements — what you must upload
Make sure every item below is uploaded electronically; incomplete applications will not be considered.

Required documents:
1. A full, official transcript showing your name, school name, course grades and credit hours for each term (grade reports are not accepted).
- If SAT/ACT scores are not on your transcript, upload official test score reports separately.
2. A copy of the family’s most recently filed IRS Form 1040 (first two pages). Black out all Social Security numbers.
3. A high‑resolution head‑and‑shoulders photo (1–2 MB) on a plain background. This may be used in promotional materials if you are selected.

Other required information to enter on the application:
- SCE Customer Number from a parent/guardian/close relative’s bill — either the 12‑digit Customer Account Number or the 10‑digit Service Account Number. (You’ll find it on the upper left of the bill or the top right of the My Account page online.)
- Two essays of up to 1,000 characters each: an impact statement and an essay about challenging circumstances.

Recommendation and deadlines
- One online recommendation must be submitted on your behalf by February 6, 2026, 11:59 p.m. CST.
- Recommender cannot be a relative and must use an active personal email address (not a high school email).

If you become a finalist
- The top 50 finalists will be asked to submit a short video (2 minutes or less). Instructions will be provided in February 2026.

Final tips from a teacher
- Start gathering your transcript, tax forms, SCE bill, and photo now — redacting SSNs takes time.
- Ask your recommender early and give them clear instructions and the deadline.
- Proofread your essays and make sure they fit the character limits.
- Keep copies of everything you submit and note all deadlines in your calendar.

If you want, I can help you:
- Draft or edit your essays (impact statement or challenging circumstances).
- Review your checklist before you submit.
- Brainstorm who to ask for your recommendation.