SJI recently presented its Employee Resource Group (ERG), the South Jersey Chapter of the American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE-SJC), with a substantial donation check totaling $49,930. The funds were generated through the company’s annual employee giving campaign.
The donation was presented during a “Lunch & Learn” event held at SJI’s headquarters, which also served as the official kickoff for AABE’s 2026 Scholarship Application Program.
“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,” Will Smith, AABE South Jersey Employee executive sponsor and vice president of executive succession and Development at SJI said. “Their generous contributions will directly fund scholarships that empower students to pursue their academic and career aspirations.”
The national AABE organization is focused on ensuring African Americans and other minorities are able to provide input in the development of energy policy and environmental regulations, support professional development, and provide community service.
The scholarships are specifically targeted at students who are matriculating into college and technical schools and are interested in STEM-related areas of study, thereby helping to cultivate a diverse future workforce in the energy sector.
“AABE works tirelessly to provide students with opportunities that help advance their educational and professional aspirations,” Lisa Cottman, president of AABE-SJC and Talent Attraction Program Manager at SJI said.
In addition to education, AABE-SJC is active in community service, recently completing its third annual project with Samaritan, Life-Enhancing Care of South Jersey, to create Clay Keepsakes for families memorializing loved ones.
Applications for the AABE National & Regional Scholarship are currently open, with interested students encouraged to apply by the deadline of Feb. 15, 2026.
