(Orange)—The Santiago Canyon College Foundation has received a $25,000 donation from Edison International. This charitable gift will support scholarships for students enrolled in the college’s STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs.

“We are grateful for this partnership with Edison International,” said Juan Vázquez, SCC president. “Edison’s generous support of our STEM programs will help boost the number of Hispanic and other underrepresented students in these vital programs.”

According to a Tomás Rivera Policy Institute report, the number of U.S.-trained STEM professionals is insufficient to meet the nation’s needs, given current higher education enrollment and graduation rates. One of the core drivers of innovation in the U.S. is its strength in STEM fields. Due to this shortage of educated STEM professionals, the U.S. has not been able to keep pace with its global competitors. Hispanics are dramatically underrepresented in STEM majors in colleges and universities nationwide. While Hispanics account for 19 percent of all 20- to 24-year-olds in the U.S., they make up only six percent of STEM graduates. Demographic and educational trends suggest that although the Hispanic population will continue to grow rapidly in the U.S., enrollment in higher education by Hispanic students will not keep pace. Consequently, without effective growth strategies, the number of Hispanics earning STEM degrees will remain small.

“Edison International is pleased to support Santiago Canyon College Foundation,” said Tammy Tumbling, director of Philanthropy & Community Investment for Southern California Edison.  “Since 2009, Edison International has given more than $34 million to education programs that help students excel in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).  Our philosophy of giving is that all people should have opportunities to do well.  For that reason, we are enthusiastic about our partnership with Santiago Canyon College Foundation.  Together, Edison International and Santiago Canyon College Foundation hope to promote the inclusion of minority, low-income and underrepresented students in STEM fields.”   Edison International’s support of charitable causes is entirely funded by shareholders.  Southern California Edison customers do not pay for donations in their utility bills.

To help boost the number of Hispanic and other underrepresented students who enroll in and complete studies in STEM disciplines, SCC is implementing the following strategies that have led to a 22 percent increase in STEM majors between spring 2009 and 2011:

• The Edison International donation will fund 40 STEM need- and merit-based scholarships with special emphasis on underrepresented and female students and provide book grants for 20 students per semester.
• The college has utilized a Title V grant, now in its third year of funding, to establish and staff a Science Teaching and Resource (STAR) Center offering activities to engage science students and enhance their success.
• Title V also funds a dedicated STEM counselor and supplements the funding for instructional assistants in the Math Study Hall (MaSH).
• SCC is one of three community colleges partnered with California State University, Fullerton, on a Title III grant, “Strengthening Transfer Education & Matriculation in STEM,” aimed at increasing the number of Hispanic low-income students attaining bachelor’s degrees in STEM disciplines.
• SCC will launch the new Liberal Arts: Mathematics and Science degree in fall 2013.

For more information about the SCC Foundation, contact John Hernandez at (714) 628-4886.

About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College is a public community college of Rancho Santiago Community College District, serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin and Villa Park. The college provides education for academic transfer and careers, courses for personal and professional development, and customized training for business and industry.

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