South Jersey Industries News / 2025

SJI’s Employee Resource Group Awards $57,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

SJI’s Employee Resource Group Awards $57,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

FOLSOM, NJ, May 29, 2025 – SJI is proud to share that its Employee Resource Group, the South Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE-SJC), has awarded $57,600 to high school seniors and current undergraduates passionate about science, technology, engineering, math or related fields.

The Chapter’s 12th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing was held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Blue Heron Pines Golf Course Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The Chapter awarded $41,600 in scholarship funds to 31 high school seniors planning to continue their education this fall. In addition, the AABE-SJC also awarded $16,000 in stipends to 16 current undergraduates, all of whom are previous scholarship winners.

“The South Jersey Chapter of AABE works tirelessly to provide students with opportunities that help advance their educational and professional aspirations.” said Lisa Cottman, president of AABE-SJC and senior talent program specialist at SJI.

photo of 4 golfers from the Golf Outing photo from the event

“We’re proud of what we have accomplished as an organization this year 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 American Association of Blacks in Energy is a national association of energy professionals founded and dedicated to ensuring African Americans and other minorities have input into developing energy policy regulations, research & development technologies and environmental issues. The South Jersey Chapter of AABE comprises nearly 57 active members, focuses on scholarships, mentoring, educational awareness, community service and networking, and is open to all SJI employees.

For more information about SJI and its subsidiaries, please visit sjindustries.com.

About SJI

South Jersey Industries (SJI), an energy infrastructure holding company based in Folsom, NJ, delivers energy services to customers through two primary subsidiaries: SJI Utilities (SJIU) and SJI Renewable Energy Ventures. SJIU houses the company’s regulated natural gas utility operations, delivering safe, reliable and affordable natural gas to more than 725,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers across New Jersey via its South Jersey Gas and Elizabethtown Gas subsidiaries. SJI Renewable Energy Ventures, a non-utility subsidiary of SJI, specializes in the ownership, development, construction, and operation of diverse renewable energy projects. These projects include the development of Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) sourced from a variety of feedstocks including dairy manure and landfill gas. With a robust portfolio and pipeline of future projects, SJI Renewable Energy Ventures is positioned to be a national leader in advancing sustainable energy solutions. Visit sjindustries.com for more information about SJI and its subsidiaries.
 

About South Jersey Gas

South Jersey Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (SJI), delivers safe, reliable, affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to more than 400,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland, Salem, and portions of Gloucester, Burlington and Camden counties in New Jersey. For more information, visit southjerseygas.com.

About Elizabethtown Gas

Elizabethtown Gas, a subsidiary of South Jersey Industries (SJI), delivers safe, reliable, and affordable natural gas and promotes energy efficiency to over 300,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in parts of Union, Middlesex, Sussex, Warren, Hunterdon, Morris and Mercer counties. For nine years in a row, Elizabethtown Gas has ranked highest in customer satisfaction for residential gas service among east midsize utilities by J.D. Power and Associates. For more information, visit elizabethtowngas.com.

Media Contacts
Media Contacts

Media professionals with inquiries regarding SJI or any SJI subsidiaries can contact SJI Media Relations.

Phone: 1.609.561.9000 x4131

Email: media@sjindustries.com