Merging Science, Policy for a Sustainable Future

As a first-generation Syrian American, Jad Abdel Nour has grown up fast. He spent the first four years of his life in the United Arab Emirates before immigrating to Covina, California.

Now a senior at South Hills High School, he has already served as a delegate to the United Nations' U.S. youth conference on climate change and has written papers published by UN Human Rights detailing the relationship between climate change and the intensity of natural disasters. He has also analyzed U.S. policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"Through those experiences, I've learned that my background and my voice are not weaknesses; I can utilize my voice as a platform," Abdel Nour said.

VIDEO: The surprise presentation of Jad Abdel Nour's Edison Scholar award.

Abdel Nour is one of 30 Edison scholarship winners this year. They learn they've been selected during a surprise ceremony at their schools.

"I was completely caught off guard; I had no idea what was happening," Abdel Nour said. "I'm just so grateful to my parents. I could not have done it without them. This is so surreal because it is something we could have only dreamed of. I feel like I'm not only living out my parents' dreams but also the wildest dreams of my ancestors."

"At Southern California Edison, we are leading the transition to a clean energy future, and we need all the brightest minds to achieve our goals," said Steve Powell, president and CEO of SCE. "I am very excited for Jad. Environmental science will expose him to everything from the science behind climate change to the engineering and technical side of things. It's exciting to support the students in our community who could be a part of that future."

Among those attending the Edison Scholar presentation at South Hills High School (l-r) mother Dina Awabdeh, Jad Abdel Nour, father Ayman Abdelnour and Steve Powell, president and CEO of SCE.

Abdel Nour has not finalized his college decision and is choosing between Yale University and Columbia University. He plans to study environmental science. He says Edison International's $50,000 scholarship will help ease the financial stress he has been feeling about paying for college.

Growing up in Covina, he experienced firsthand the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the climate crisis and is pursuing a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) to take action.

"Every year, it just keeps getting hotter in California, and I remember as a kid my teachers telling us about the drought and teaching us about water usage and water resources. Since then, I've always kept those lessons in the back of my head and continued to grow this passion for climate activism," Abdel Nour said.

Jad Abdel Nour's parents also surprised him at school where they celebrated his accomplishment together.

He plans to major in environmental science and use his voice to advocate for policy to combat climate change.

With his background and passion for science, he is determined to continue his advocacy for climate change solutions by pursuing a future as an environmental lawyer.

"I am so excited for the new opportunities I'll get, especially at schools like Yale or Columbia. I have been dreaming about going to an Ivy League school for as long as I can remember, and I can't wait to experience it all," Abdel Nour said.

For more information about the Edison Scholars Program, visiton.edison.com/2024scholars.