SJI’s Employee Resource Group Awards $71,000 in Scholarships to Local Students

FOLSOM, NJ, May 29, 2026 – 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 $71,000 to high school seniors and current undergraduates passionate about science, technology, engineering, math or related fields. 

The Chapter’s 13th Annual Scholarship Golf Outing was held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Blue Heron Pines Golf Course in Egg Harbor Township, NJ. The Chapter awarded $50,000 in scholarship funds to 16 high school seniors planning to continue their education this fall. In addition, the AABE-SJC also awarded $21,000 in stipends to 30 current undergraduates, all of whom are previous scholarship winners. The scholarships are funded by both the golf outing and SJI’s Employee Giving Campaign.

“The South Jersey Chapter of AABE remains deeply committed to creating opportunities that empower students to pursue their educational goals and prepare for successful professional futures,” said Lisa Cottman, president of AABE-SJC and senior talent program specialist at SJI.

“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 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.