Investing in the workforce of the 21st century, Edison International is seeking applicants for its 2010 Edison Scholars program, which focuses on students studying science, technology, engineering and math. Each selected high school senior will be awarded a $2500 college scholarship, renewable for up to $10,000.

“These scholarships provide the opportunity for students to further their education and realize their full potential as well as help them pay for rising college costs,” said Barbara J. Parsky, senior vice president, Corporate Communications, Edison International.

The Edison Scholars program provides scholarships for students who show the potential to have successful college careers. Applicants must:

• Be high school seniors who live, or attend a public or private school, in the 50,000-square-mile service area for Southern California Edison (SCE), a subsidiary of Edison International.
• Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.
• Be planning to attend a four-year college in or near SCE’s service territory.
• Be full-time students majoring in math, physics, chemistry, engineering, materials science or computer science/information systems.
• Be citizens or legal permanent residents of the U.S.
• Demonstrate financial need.

“This scholarship has made an enormous difference in my life by helping me to attend college after my father’s cancer diagnosis made money really tight,” said 2009 Edison Scholar Lindsey Blueitt, a mechanical engineering major at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

The scholarship made college more affordable for 2009 Edison Scholar Grace Su, a materials science major at University of California, Irvine. “It has encouraged me to pursue my dreams with passion, energy and determination,” she said.

The annual scholarship is renewable each year for up to four years, provided recipients meet all eligibility requirements. Last year, Edison International awarded nearly $178,000 to 71 Edison Scholars.

Applications must be postmarked by March 1. Winners of the scholarships will be notified by June. To download an application and to learn more about the Edison Scholars program, including lists of eligible schools and colleges, visit www.edison.com/edisonscholars