STEM Student Wants to ‘Bridge the Digital Divide’
STEM Student Wants to ‘Bridge the Digital Divide’
Growing up in the digital age makes navigating technology a breeze for teens like Jiarui. But for the generations before her, it doesn't always seem so simple.
“I’ve seen my grandmother, and sometimes my mother, having difficulty with technology,” said the senior at Redlands High School. “What seems easy to us is practically an alien world to them. I want to use my education to bridge the digital divide.”
SCE Director of Distribution Program & Project Management Tony Montoya presents Redlands High School senior and 2026 Edison Scholar Jiarui with a check for $50,000.
As one of this year’s Edison Scholars, Jiarui plans to use the $50,000 STEM-based (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) scholarship from Edison International to help fund her college education where she will major in ORFE (Operational Research and Financial Engineering).
“I want to create interfaces that are intuitive to users of any age or those who are not familiar with technology, so that they are not left behind in this technological age,” said Jiarui, who is not just academically gifted, but also a key member of the school’s swim team, speech and debate club, and abacus arithmetic association. She’s also the author of a math book, “Mochi’s Counting Machine.”
So, it’s no surprise that this well-rounded senior is going to Princeton to study engineering. While there, Jiarui wants to combine her long-standing love of math with her newfound passion for physics.
“My major combines business with STEM,” said Jiarui, pointing to the fact that she aims to use her science knowledge to innovate and create useful products.
While receiving the recognition was a big surprise to Jiarui, who didn't think she would even make it to the final stage of applicants, it was no surprise to those around her.“Whether it’s athletics, as a member of our swim team, and in her other extracurricular activities and clubs, she always puts forth her best effort,” said Vaughan Kusko, a student counselor at Redlands High School, who has witnessed the growth of Jiarui firsthand — from promising student to strong achiever. “Jiarui represents all the positive things that our students are doing. It has been really nice to see her growth.”
And with this scholarship, Jiarui will only continue to grow and be able to meet her ambitious goals more easily.
“Having this scholarship is an encouragement, with Edison recognizing what I want to do. It also allows me to relieve some of the burden that comes with me wanting to double major, minor, or even start crafting or innovating a product.”
Her message to younger students, hoping to walk in her shoes: “Stay optimistic.”
“I believe that failures aren’t failures, but a redirection. There are moments when I thought I failed or I did not get what I wanted, but looking back, I realized it was leading me down a different path to where I needed to be,” said Jiarui.
For more information on Edison International’s commitment to giving back, visit edison.com/community.