2024 OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship winners inspire future STEM leaders at OU GLAMS event

Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) and the University of Oklahoma (OU) Society of Women Engineers students teamed up for GLAMS (Girls Learning and Applying Math and Science), inspiring girls with hands-on design projects.

The event brought together middle school girls to explore the exciting world of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), featuring hands-on, interactive activities that engaged the students in STEM concepts such as electromagnetics, buoyancy, and analytics. OG&E women engineer volunteers helped the engineering students lead activities.

"Inviting young women to explore STEM is a unique opportunity for girls across the state to get hands-on engineering experience, and we hope it inspires many of them to pursue a future career in STEM," said Andrea Dennis, Vice President of Transmission and Distribution Operations at OG&E. "At OG&E, we believe that bringing more women into STEM careers will further energize the energy industry."

Activities included design/building a wind-powered car, developing a filter, and creating LED art to demonstrate the various disciplines of engineering. College students and OG&E employees shared their experiences as women in Oklahoma's STEM sectors, providing valuable insights and inspiration to the students.

"Fostering a bright future for our communities begins with providing a strong educational foundation," said Kelli Hayward Walsh, Manager of Community Outreach and Engagement at OG&E. "GLAMS help inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM, and our Positive Energy Scholarship might help make that dream a reality for one of the girls here today."

In addition to the engaging activities, two 2024 OG&E Positive Energy Scholarship recipients who attend OU, Mia Laird and Mizael Morales, shared their passion for STEM and how the scholarship impacted their college journey. As part of OG&E's Community Cornerstone partnership, two OU women rowers who are also engineering students participated in the day.

"OG&E has helped me with so many things for my college experience," said Laird. "To have this scholarship and not have to worry about financial issues and it helps so much, and I can't thank OG&E enough."

Each year, the Positive Energy Scholarship offers three deserving high school seniors, who live in OG&E's service area and are pursuing a STEM-related degree, funds to cover tuition, books, fees, and on-campus room and board.

"It truly means the world to have the Positive Energy Scholarship from OG&E," said Morales. "It lifts a significant financial burden and allows me to further my education at OU, my passion for STEM, and the ability to be more involved in my community at OU."

Applications now open for the 2025 Positive Energy Scholarship.

OG&E is encouraging high school seniors and families in their service area to apply for the 2025 Positive Energy Scholarship. To apply, visit OGE.com/education. Applications will be accepted until Feb. 15.

The Positive Energy Scholarships support students pursuing majors in STEM fields by awarding $15,000 per year, renewable annually for up to four consecutive years, for a total of up to $60,000. An unweighted GPA greater than or equal to 3.0 is required to be considered for renewal. Preference is given to students planning to pursue a career in the energy industry.

Eligible students must meet specific criteria to be considered, including:

• Be a graduating high school senior from the OG&E service area;
• Plan to attend a college in the states of Oklahoma or Arkansas;
• Plan to pursue and maintain one of the following STEM majors: accounting, biology, chemistry, computer science, cybersecurity, data analytics, earth science, engineering, finance, geosciences, environmental science, information technology, mathematics;
• Have an unweighted GPA greater than or equal to 3.25; and
• Score 25 or above on the ACT, or score 1200 or above on the SAT.

Since launching the scholarship in 2019, OGE Energy Corp. Foundation has awarded 18 Positive Energy Scholarships - totaling $1,080,000 - to high school seniors.

To learn more about how OG&E invests in education across its service area, visit OGE.com/education OGE.com/education.