SJI employees donate nearly fifty thousand dollars, fund STEM scholarships for South Jersey students

South Jersey Industries presented the South Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy with a donation check for $49,930 on December 12 at the companys headquarters in Folsom. The contribution came from SJIs annual employee giving campaign and was unveiled during a Lunch & Learn event that also served as the kickoff for the chapters 2026 Scholarship Application Program for students matriculating into colleges and technical schools interested in STEM.

The scholarships are intended to remove financial barriers for students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math, while also strengthening representation in energy policy and environmental decision making. AABE is a national organization focused on ensuring African Americans and other minorities can provide input in the development of energy policy regulations and environmental issues, supporting professional development, and providing scholarships and service to the community. The group is open to all employees of SJI.

“We are deeply grateful to our dedicated SJI employees for championing our mission to expand access to higher education in both colleges and technical schools,” said Will Smith, AABE South Jersey Employee Executive Sponsor and Vice President of Executive Succession and Development at SJI. “Their generous contributions will directly fund scholarships that empower students to pursue their academic and career aspirations. This collective commitment reflects the heart of our organization, and we are truly honored by the generosity of our team.”

Local leaders at the chapter emphasized continuity of service and outreach. “AABE works tirelessly to provide students with opportunities that help advance their educational and professional aspirations,” said Lisa Cottman, President of AABE SJC and Talent Attraction Program Manager at SJI. “I’m proud of what we continue to accomplish as an organization and look forward to providing our local youth and communities with further support in the coming years,” said Jerry Cephas, Vice President of AABE SJC and Corporate Insurance Manager at SJI.

The chapter also deepened a community care partnership with Samaritan, Life Enhancing Care of South Jersey by creating Clay Keepsakes for grieving families, a project now in its third year. That work links scholarship and workforce development goals to broader community health needs, supporting bereavement and emotional wellbeing even as it builds pathways into careers that shape environmental health policy.

Applications for the AABE national and regional scholarships are open now and students were directed to apply by February 15, 2026. For Cumberland County families this donation represents both immediate community support and longer term investment in local talent who can influence energy policy and public health outcomes in South Jersey.