SAN FRANCISCO – As part of its ongoing dedication to strengthening communities throughout California, Pacific Gas and Electric Company on Friday announced the launch of its PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship program.

PG&E will award up to $1 million in scholarships to enable high school, community college and “non-traditional” students to complete their higher education paths.

Bright Minds scholarship winners will receive full-ride scholarships of up to $30,000 per year; program finalists will receive $2,500 towards their studies.

“Over the last decade, PG&E has contributed nearly $40 million towards educational initiatives and, with today’s announcement, we are proud to deepen our commitment to education and to the communities we have the privilege of serving,” said Chris Johns, president of PG&E. “By supporting deserving students, we can help them realize their full potential.”

The PG&E Bright Minds scholarships will be awarded based on a combined demonstration of community leadership, personal triumph, financial need and academic achievement.

Eligible students will be enrolled in a full-time undergraduate program at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school for the duration of the 2012-2013 academic year.

The deadline for applying for the PG&E Bright Minds Scholarship is Feb. 17, 2012.

For more information and to apply, visit www.pge.com/brightminds. Scholarship winners will be announced in the spring.

In addition to the scholarship opportunities available through the PG&E Bright Minds program, the PG&E Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) also are accepting applications for a wide variety of scholarships. In 2011, PG&E’s ERGs awarded more than $255,000 to 153 students.

More information can be found on the “Scholarship” link at www.pge.com/community. The deadline to apply for the ERG scholarships is Jan. 17.