So Cal Edison Science Scholarship awarded to Samohi Senior Katie Richards

3/26: At a presentation today, So Cal Edison surprised SamoHi Senior Katie Richards with a $40,000 college scholarship from Edison International to pursue STEM education.

Breanna Snyder, Katie's engineering teacher, described Katie's scientific article as "excellent." When Katie is not pursuing STEM, she is editor in chief of the santa monica high school year book and president of the Harry Potter Club.

Edison International president and CEO Pedro Pizarro lauded the senior for her prowess in engineering. Her mother Michelle Richards, and her grandparents Eileen and Dr. Ed Kramer also attended.

Seeing the way wildfires have devastated California, Katie has already begun building technology to measures the relationship between power lines and humidity.

Upon presenting Katie with her $40,000 Edison Scholars check, Pedro Pizarro, president and CEO of Edison International said, "We are so happy to recognize you. You've earned it, you've worked hard and we want you to use it well. Congrats and well done."  

Katie plans to study computer engineering. She said she's always liked building things with her hands and putting things together.  She's also interested in coding and the possibilities it presents.  She's currently working on a physical sensor that measures temperature static electric levels and sound in the areas around electric wires to detect electric arcs almost immediately.

About the Edison scholarship: "It definitely takes a lot of stress off my family paying for college," Katie said.

Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, awards $1.2 million in scholarships to 30 high school seniors pursuing majors in science, technology, engineering or math – STEM – fields at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. This according to Susan Cox, of Edison's corporate communications division.

Each scholar will receive a $40,000 scholarship, paid over four years. Edison International supports the education of underrepresented STEM students to help them achieve academic and professional success, and make important contributions to their communities and society.

With the addition of the 2019 Edison Scholars, Edison International has awarded more than $9.9 million in scholarships to 640 students through this program since 2006.