Twenty-five high school seniors from the Oakland area are set to receive $7,000 college scholarships after graduating from the PG&E Community Financial Education Program. The graduation ceremony will take place on February 7 at the University of California, Berkeley. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) and The PG&E Corporation Foundation to provide advanced financial education and promote long-term economic success among students in underserved communities.
The program was launched in 2022 by PG&E and its foundation, with collaboration from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. It targets high school seniors, offering instruction on personal finance, capital markets, wealth creation, and investments. Undergraduate mentors from Haas supported participants throughout the course.
Students highlighted the impact of the program on their understanding of financial matters as they prepare for higher education and beyond. Xariyah White, a senior at De Anza High School in Richmond and recent graduate of the program, stated: “The PG&E program has helped shape how I approach future financial decisions. It strengthened my understanding of budgeting and taught me how to make informed, responsible choices about my finances, especially as I prepare for the costs of college and life beyond that.”
Mariah McCoy, a former participant who is now enrolled in UC Berkeley Haas’ Spieker four-year program, said: “This program created an on-ramp for me to explore my passion for the business world, while envisioning myself as a UC Berkeley Haas student. As a scholar in the UC Berkeley Haas Spieker four-year program, I am grateful for the PG&E program and the infinite opportunities they create for me to receive continued mentorship and guidance.”
When it began in 2022, partners hoped it could serve as a model for high school curriculum across California. In 2024, state legislation was passed requiring all high school students to have access to personal finance courses by 2027; personal finance will become a graduation requirement by 2031.
The current group of graduates completed Saturday classes over six months at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. The curriculum was delivered by university professors along with professionals from the financial industry.
Over four years, 96 local high school seniors have completed this course. With this year’s class included, PG&E has funded $800,000 in scholarships through this initiative.
Additional partners involved include Berkeley Executive Education; The Mills Institute at Northeastern University; and Amenti Capital Group. Student recruitment efforts were led by Northeastern’s TRIO Programs aimed at underserved youth.
The curriculum was co-developed by Panos Patatoukas—UC Berkeley Haas Professor—and Jason Miles—venture capitalist with over two decades in financial services who founded Amenti Capital Group.
“Now in its fourth year, this program highlights the power of early and broad access to high-quality financial education in expanding opportunity and narrowing persistent wealth gaps. I’m proud of what this partnership has achieved and excited to continue driving positive impact for Bay Area youth,” said Patatoukas.
“This program empowers future leaders with early, practical investing knowledge. This education expands access to capital markets by strengthening the pipeline of future founders and investors shaping the global innovative economy. I am deeply committed to catalyzing generational wealth creation alongside like-minded partners and this exceptionally talented community of students,” said Miles.
Vincent Davis—PG&E’s Chief Customer Officer & SVP—will address graduates during their ceremony: “We believe education is a powerful catalyst for increasing prosperity in California. By investing in early financial education, we’re empowering young people with the confidence, skills, and resources to build brighter financial futures for themselves and our communities.”
One alumnus featured in a PG&E-produced short film, Otis Ward—an early graduate—is currently studying at Stanford University.
Studies referenced by organizers indicate that intergenerational factors affect wealth disparities—with personal savings habits playing an important role.
PG&E serves more than 16 million people across Northern and Central California as both an electric utility provider and natural gas company.
