Southern California Edison (SCE) serves one of the most diverse populations in the country. Three years ago, the California utility’s parent company, Edison International, launched the Lineworker Scholarship Program to build and strengthen a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves.
“Lineworkers are among the front lines of our workforce who are safely delivering reliable power to the 15 million residents in Southern California Edison’s service area and making the clean energy transition possible,” said Heather Rivard, SCE’s senior vice president of transmission and distribution. “The Lineworker Scholarship Program opens the door to a rewarding and enriching career.”
In 2021, Edison launched the Lineworker Scholarship Program, in partnership with IBEW Local 47, to provide opportunities for a diverse range of people to become lineworkers. Since then, it has awarded 48 scholarships and has enhanced representation among the Edison skilled trade workforce.
“I believe it’s important to have diversity in this trade because of the influence it will have on the next generation of men and women looking to join this trade,” says Nicholas Chavez, a 2024 scholarship winner. “This scholarship impacts diversity in the field workforce, which is progress and it’s awesome to see.”
Alan Martinez, another 2024 scholarship winner, says diversity is important to help Americans to better interact with each other.
“We are a country with diverse people and bringing that mentality into our everyday lives will make it easier to interact with each other,” he says. “Everyone comes from different walks of life, but we all have one goal in common and that is to work together to get back home to our loved ones.”
Supporting Scholarship Recipients
As part of the Lineworker Scholarship program, the recipients earn a $25,000 scholarship, which covers the tuition, tools and support services needed to complete the Powerline Mechanic Certificate offered at Los Angeles Trade-Technical College (LATTC), says Gabriela Ornelas, spokesperson for Edison.
The scholarship covers LATTC prerequisite fees, the costs of the certificate program and tools needed for the climbing portion of the program as well as support services as needed, including housing, transportation and childcare.
“It is reassuring that the program will not only open a door of opportunity, but also maintain it open,” Martinez says. “From housing costs, tuition and transportation costs, these expenses can cause a good amount of stress. With the support we are given with this scholarship, we have the necessary tools at our disposal to achieve success.”
Linda Reach says the financial burdens of education and daily living expenses can be overwhelming.
“With this invaluable support, I will be able to dedicate myself fully to my coursework and practical training without the constant worry of financial strain,” Reach says. “This opportunity will not only help me complete my program successfully but also empower me to build a stable and prosperous future for myself and my family.”
Chavez agreed, saying the scholarship program will ease some of the pressure of the financial and other responsibilities he will have.
“The program just shows how committed Brotherhood Crusade and Edison are to make sure we have every resource and opportunity available to attain our certificates,” Chavez says. “It only makes me want to commit to my success at LATTC even more.”
Upon completion of the Powerline Mechanic Certificate program, a Class A license and SCE pre-employment requirements, graduates are then eligible for an entry-level skilled trade position at SCE. All jobs will be located within SCE’s 50,000-square-mile service area, and graduates may be required to relocate for their positions. After they are hired on, SCE will continue to support the scholars through its Lineworker Navigator Program, which pairs each new lineworker with an experienced lineworker to increase focus on safety and retention.
The four-year, $1 million program is part of Edison International’s comprehensive DEI strategy, which guides efforts to build an inclusive workplace that encourages the innovation, teamwork and continuous improvement critical to it’s shift toward a clean energy future. As California approaches its ambitious 2045 carbon-free goal, the need for a skilled workforce to power the electric transition is more important than ever, Ornelas says. The Lineworker Scholarship provides individuals with the opportunity to have a hands-on role in making the clean energy future a reality.
“We’re entering a period of rapid and accelerated electricity demands,” Rivard says. “We need well-trained and highly skilled workers to join us in our work to continue to build a grid that is reliable, resilient and ready. The Lineworker Scholarship recipients will help us meet the needs of our customers while they embark on a rewarding and enriching career.”
The 2024 scholarship cycle continued the previous cycle’s expansion to attract Black, Asian Pacific Islander, Native American and female applicants. This year’s cohort has three female winners—the most of any cycle to date. Meet five of the 12 scholarship winners for this year’s Lineworker Scholarship Program. To learn about the other seven scholarship winners, visit the Edison Lineworker Scholarship Spotlight page.
Alan Martinez of Escondido, California
Alan Martinez first heard about the scholarship program on Edison’s social media page, and after researching the requirements to apply, he discovered he met all of them. After he submitted his application, he had confidence that he had a good chance of being selected.
“I decided to apply for the scholarship is because it is unique, and Edison is a great company to work for,” Martinez says. “I decided not to pass on this opportunity. The scholarship program has a great support team, the necessary services to get you through and a reputable trade school to learn at. I know I made the correct choice to apply for the Lineworker Scholarship Program.”
When he got the call that he was accepted into the program, he immediately called his wife to share the good news.
“It was nothing short of a life-changing moment,” Martinez says. “It is a memory I will forever cherish.”
His family and friends were also happy to hear the news he was selected, and they sent messages of support to congratulate him on the next step of his life.
“I will become the first of my family to pursue this trade, and it’s a great feeling,” he says. “Having that support from friends and family is a great boost to your confidence and mental health.”
Before joining the program, he drove commercial vehicles after earning his class A license. He says he’s learned to work hard and be reliable.
“I believe my past work experience has led me to this trade and opened many doors,” he says. “I am enthusiastic about the new experiences I will learn.”
While beginning a new trade can be intimidating, he says he will give 110% every day and will not take it for granted.
“From learning electrical theory or climbing a pole, it will be physically and mentally demanding, but nothing in life is easy,” he says. “I welcome the challenges and know I will overcome them with grit and determination.”
The scholarship has already changed his life for the better, and it has given him the opportunity to pursue a career in a competitive trade. He strongly believes the skilled trades offer many opportunities for growth.
“This trade will provide financial freedom, a title that belongs to an elite group of people, a sense of pride, and most importantly, knowing I will be an asset to society by helping to keep the electricity running,” he says.
He has always strongly believed in helping people, and as a lineworker, he can serve a purpose of keeping electricity running.
“Maintaining power in businesses, residential homes, commercial buildings, hospitals, clinics, etc., is crucial to our society,” he says. “Power is essential to our everyday lives and many people depend on power for their health and to stay connected with friends and family. I hope to make a difference in the future by helping repair or maintain our electrical infrastructure. “
His plan for the future in the trade is to ultimately become a journeyman lineworker.
“I’d like to work to gain more experience and to one day pass on my knowledge to future apprentices,” he says. “I’d like to stay at Edison and see myself mentoring others and guiding them on how to become a lineworker.”
Bryy Marriott of Buena Park, California
Bryy Marriott, who learned about the Lineworker Scholarship program from her dad, has always wanted to be a lineworker to help people. She applied for the scholarship in 2023, and didn’t get it, so when she got the call this year, she couldn’t believe it, and she’s still in shock and disbelief.
“My friends and family are prouder than ever,” she says.
She has worked in many industries—from construction to electrical to mechanical—and she’s also an Army veteran, which she thinks will help her to overcome any challenge during the training program. When she got the call, she was working as a project manager, and she says the scholarship will set her up with a lifetime career. By having the additional support from the Brotherhood Crusade, she says it will allow her to fully focus on the task at hand.
She says it’s important to give everyone the same opportunity to be successful in life, and the scholarship gives her and others the chance to make a difference.
“I’m honored to be given this opportunity to become part of a very important community and bring hope and smiles to people’s faces when they see our trucks coming down the road,” she says. “I’m excited to get all of this started and see where it takes me in the future.”
Nicholas Chavez of Covina, California
While searching for jobs on Edison’s website, Nicholas Chavez came across news about the scholarship. He has always wanted to work for Edison, and the opportunity was one-of-a-kind in a field he’s always admired and wanted to work in.
“I feel so much gratitude for being chosen,” he says. “When I first got the call, I couldn’t believe I was a recipient. I was in shock because I know how meaningful this scholarship is for the future of my family and pursuit of a career. It’s a major honor and something I look forward to fulfilling by helping make sure my community and others are never in the dark.”
Up to this point, his work experience has been in retail, the auto industry and construction. He currently works for In-N-Out at their production facility.
“This scholarship will give my family and me a life-changing opportunity to employ me and teach me skills that will feed and sustain a home for my family,” he says. “First, I must attend and pass school, but I look forward to being able to take care of my household.”
Working a job and going to school may be challenging, but he looks forward to building relationships with his fellow recipients and classmates who are going through the same pressures.
“We can help each other, and together, we can overcome a lot,” he says.
In the future, he wants to perform well at LATTC and pass the program and then complete his apprenticeship and earn his journeyman card.
“I want to learn all I can and become the main financial provider for my family,” he says. “I have received nothing but congratulations and well wishes for receiving this opportunity, which feels amazing and encourages me even more to succeed.”
Linda Reach of Long Beach, California
Back in the 1970s, Linda Reach’s parents escaped from Cambodia during the Khmer Refugee crisis. Her mother, with limited formal education, successfully raised five daughters on her own.
“Her resilience inspired me to embark on a path of exploring various career opportunities,” says Reach, who learned about the scholarship program through a professional network, initiated by Cambodia Town, a cultural organization of which she serves as the event coordinator. “I am the middle daughter raised by a single mother. Witnessing her daily challenges in maintaining financial stability while caring for my youngest sibling with a developmental disability motivates me. I view this scholarship as a chance to provide more financial support for my mother in the years ahead.”
Receiving the lineworker scholarship is a dream come true, says Reach, who described it as a once-in-a-lifetime blessing.
“I remember sitting at work when I received the call,” she says. “My heart raced with a mix of disbelief and joy. I recall expressing, with a tremor in my voice, ‘I'm going to cry,’ as I struggled to hold back tears and composed myself with deep breaths.”
Throughout her academic path, she initially enrolled in courses at Cerritos Community College and explored different fields such as psychology and criminal justice. Traditional education didn't suit her, but when she joined American Career College, a trade school, she thrived academically, graduated with honors and obtained a medical assistant certificate.
In 2008, she began her career as a security officer for television and production at Fox Studios and events in Hollywood. From 2014 to 2015, she embraced the challenge of juggling two full-time positions—one in security and the other as a medical assistant at a general practice clinic while also participating in the Long Beach Neighborhood Leader Program.
“Over 14 years, I gained valuable experience in various security roles, including television and film production, community security patrol and corporate security in a predominantly male-dominated field until late 2022,” she says. “Throughout my professional path, I have remained a committed and diligent worker.”
When she announced to her family that she decided to pursue a career in the electrical trade, the reactions varied from excitement to surprise.
“Those closest to me, recognizing my dedication and strength, showed genuine enthusiasm for my chosen path,” she says. “On the other hand, some individuals expressed doubts about my ability to succeed in a male-dominated industry, questioning my potential in a field often seen as male-oriented. Through my experiences in male-dominated work environments, I have proven my ability to handle assigned tasks effectively.”
In early 2023, she transitioned from a security position to take on the role of case management coordinator at a community clinic in Long Beach, California. Between late 2023 and early February 2024, she served as a traffic control technician (flagger) at Phoenix Traffic Management. Later, due to a decrease in staff, she took on a temporary part-time position at the Cambodian Association of America.
She says the scholarship has sparked a transformative journey for her, enhancing her self-confidence and encouraging her to strive for greatness in both her personal and professional endeavors.
“By easing financial burdens, this scholarship allows me to focus more on my academic aspirations,” she says. “Above all, it motivates me to make a positive impact by engaging with the community on a larger scale and bringing stability to my personal life.”
She is the first Asian Pacific Islander (API) woman recipient of the scholarship, which she says is truly an honor. Her goal is to inspire API women to embrace, explore and enhance their skills while advocating for women's contributions to the lineworker profession.
“I believe the collaboration among individuals from varied backgrounds allows for the integration of unique experiences, leading to a more creative and efficient approach to addressing challenges,” she says. “Embracing DEI in the workforce not only ensures equal opportunities for all but also breaks down barriers, enabling the line trade to access a broader range of talent, thereby strengthening the workforce.”
Reach, who resides in Long Beach, California, which is renowned for its large Cambodian community, has observed SCE’s enthusiastic involvement in the parade and cultural festival. As a traffic control technician, she has also worked alongside SCE’s subcontracted lineworkers.
“I have witnessed their impressive technical skills firsthand,” she says. “Engaging in conversations and building connections while in the work zones has piqued my interest in learning more about the trade.”
The scholarship will give her the opportunity to meet her dream of working toward a future role as a lineworker.
“I am filled with both enthusiasm and gratitude for the chance to serve my community by ensuring the uninterrupted flow of electricity, a necessity in daily life,” she says. “The opportunity to play a part in upholding and reinstating the power supply, particularly in times of crisis, instills in me a profound sense of purpose and honor. The knowledge that my efforts directly enhance the well-being, security and efficiency of my fellow community members
is truly fulfilling. I look forward to embracing the challenges and obligations in this profession, and I am dedicated to executing my responsibilities with unwavering commitment, expertise and dependability.”
She is prepared to face potential challenges as she anticipates the upcoming training program at LATTC. For example, she must readjust to a classroom setting after a prolonged break and grasp new concepts in an unfamiliar field. To tackle these obstacles, she plans to build connections with her peers to recognize their shared educational journey. Additionally, she is conscious of potential biases as an API woman in this domain.
“Past experiences have shown instances where my skills were underestimated based on my gender and ethnicity,” she says. “Despite these concerns, I am confident in my ability to succeed by dedicating myself and adapting to new learning environments. To combat any underestimation, I aim to actively engage with individuals from various backgrounds to demonstrate my competence professionally.”
Reach, who is committed to serving her community, is dedicated to ongoing community service.
“As an API woman, my goal is to be a role model, demonstrating that we can thrive in male-dominated fields, challenging societal expectations that often steer us towards roles like nursing or administration,” she says. “Additionally, I am interested in exploring further opportunities where Edison acknowledges my contributions to maintain its esteemed reputation. I am open to engaging in community activities like participating in career workshops or visiting local schools to promote the industry.”
Lindsay Bohmwald of Long Beach, California
Lindsay Bohmwald says she has dreamt about working in the electrical industry from a young age and one day always wanted to work for Edison.
“Not only will I be doing what I love but I'll also be helping the country stay lit, literally,” she says. “Words cannot express the satisfaction that comes with helping our communities and businesses keep living and running. I feel it is my calling to serve in this industry.”
Bohmwald follows Edison on social media, and when she noticed the scholarship opportunity, she thought she should give it a try and apply, but she never thought she’d be picked. The minute she found out, she called her spouse and family, but it took her about two weeks for the good news about the scholarship to sink in.
“I felt it was too good to be true, and I still can’t believe it,” she says. “I know my family is extremely happy for me to start the training program and pursue this career. They have shown me their support throughout my educational journey and will continue to stand by my side. My wife reminds me that this opportunity is a result of all my hard work and accomplishments.”
Before entering the program, Bohmwald worked as a buyer for the purchasing department at JBI Interiors. She also has experience in quality control inspection, metal fabrication and chemical and paint processing.
For the past seven years, she has been a student at Long Beach City College, and she has taken general education courses and tried different majors to fit her work experience. In the end, she followed her heart and applied to the electrical technology program, and she completed her associate’s degree in electrical technology with a certificate in high-voltage testing. She says the scholarship will change her life in so many ways.
“It’s important to do what you love for a living, but for many years, I've had a void in my heart for not working in a field that makes me happy,” she says. “I've had many obstacles in my life that did not allow me to pursue this career. I was not where I wanted to be, but now I am and I’m so grateful. This scholarship will also give me the tools and skills I need to become a confident lineworker.”
She says the scholarship with help both her and her family financially, and she wouldn’t have been able to afford the training program without the scholarship.
“The tuition and tools alone are out of my budget, and acquiring the Class A license would have been out of the question,” she says. “I’ll finally get hands-on experience, something I’ve put aside because it was too expensive. This support will allow me to study without the financial burden of paying for school. Not only will it help me financially to acquire all that is needed to finish the program at LATTC, but it also will give me a chance to work for such a recognized company.”
She says in the utility industry, it’s important to meet the eligibility requirements to do the job first, but it’s also important to have representation in the trade.
“We don’t often see women working in the skilled trades, but we are capable, and we are out here,” he says. “When I see someone else who looks like me working in this field, it gives me reassurance and a push to continue down this road.”
She says DEI initiatives like the Lineworker Scholarship Program can make a big difference in diversifying the workforce.
“Coming from a low-income and immigrant family, opportunities like this can feel out-of-reach in our communities,” she says. “It is programs like these that make it possible for people like me to have an opportunity.”
Because she is fully committed to this program, she can only see work as being a challenge.
“I’m thankful to have a job that is willing to work with my schedule and a partner who will also be helping me manage my time throughout the program,” she says.
She says the possibilities are endless for her in the skilled trades.
“I want to learn as much as I can from my fellow veteran lineworkers,” she says. “I want to fulfill and move up in any position necessary for the success of this organization.”
She advises anyone who is considering a career in line work to go for it.
“For anyone who comes from nothing, do not give up,” she says. “Find your willpower because life is what you make it, and the doors will open when they are meant for you.”
To learn more about Edison International’s programs highlighting its commitments to DEI, go to https://www.edison.com/sustainability/diversity-equity-inclusion.
