Nogales High School Senior Nestor Mandujano is the recipient of the Edison International Scholarship, where he will be awarded a $40,000 scholarship to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). He is one of 30 local seniors to receive this award, and this is the second consecutive year that Nogales High School has had a winner. All 30 Edison scholars will be celebrated in a virtual reception on May 21, 2021.
“I thought I was on another online interview,” said Mandujano, who lives in La Puente. “Suddenly, the team from Edison surprised me by saying I was the winner. I could not believe it! It is such an incredible honor to have been selected as one of the 2021 Edison Scholars and it will change my life,” said Mandujano. “The award will provide more financial stability for me because I know where my funding will be coming from. I will also have a community in my fellow Edison Scholars who will also be pursuing STEM degrees and in the representatives of Edison International.”
In addition to this scholarship, Mandujano has received a full-ride scholarship to Harvey Mudd College, where he will study engineering in the fall. He is an AP student and is very involved on the Nogales High School campus as President of the Environmental Club, active in the Folklorico Club, the National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society, is a tutor with the Math Club, and has participated in the California Scholarship Federation. He is also a SCS Noonan Scholar and Chicano Latino Youth Leadership Project scholar.
“I want to thank so many of my teachers and counselors who have helped me not only academically, but personally. I appreciate the support I received from my math teacher
Mr. Manso, English teachers Mrs. Lawrence and Ms. Corp, Ricardo Ramirez and Mrs. Kim.”
Since 2006, more than $12 million in scholarships have been awarded to 700 high school seniors through the Edison Scholars Program. Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, is one of the largest corporate philanthropic contributors in Southern California. The Edison Scholars Program is funded entirely by Edison International shareholders. SCE customers’ utility bill payments do not fund company donations.
Upcoming seniors are encouraged to apply to be a 2022 Edison Scholar. Applications open October 2021 and more information can be found at ENERGIZED.EDISON.COM.
