The Smart Energy Education (SEE) initiative empowered students through energy and water literacy, creating pathways to meaningful and rewarding careers in STEM. One of its most impactful efforts was the SEE Scholarship Program, a collaboration between Itron, CPS Energy, and the University of Texas at Austin. Together, these partners invested in the next generation of innovators, equipping San Antonio students with the knowledge and opportunities needed to shape a more sustainable future. Though the program has concluded, its legacy lives on through the students whose education and achievements were made possible by this enduring commitment to community growth and energy awareness.
The SEE Scholarship Program
Launched in 2016, the SEE Scholarship Program was designed to help students turn their passion for energy and water conservation into professional opportunities. The program awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to more than 50 students across Texas, many of whom were first-generation college students or came from communities underrepresented in STEM fields. Alongside financial relief, these scholarships offered vital recognition, mentorship, and encouragement to these talented students. Each SEE scholar became part of a broader community dedicated to learning about energy systems, environmental stewardship, and the technologies that power modern life.
Program Leaders
The success of the SEE Scholarship was driven by the shared vision and partnership of Itron and CPS Energy, two leaders united by their commitment to education, and community impact. Itron, a global leader in energy and water management technologies, not only provided financial support but also championed the belief that investing in young people is essential to building a more resourceful world. Together with CPS Energy, the nation’s largest community-owned electric and natural gas utility, Itron helped establish a scholarship program that empowered San Antonio students to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. By combining Itron’s global expertise in resource management with CPS Energy’s strong local leadership, the partnership created lasting opportunities for students and strengthened the foundation for a smarter, more sustainable energy future.
The University of Texas at Austin and Dr. Michael E. Webber also played an integral role in the vision behind Smart Energy Education and its scholarship program. Dr. Webber’s leadership and groundbreaking research at the intersection of energy, policy, and technology helped shape the educational framework that inspired SEE’s mission. His commitment to energy literacy and public engagement made complex energy topics accessible to students of all backgrounds, fostering curiosity and confidence in the next generation of STEM professionals. By connecting university research with K–12 learning, Dr. Webber and UT Austin helped bridge the gap between academic insight and community impact, ensuring that the SEE Scholarship not only funded education but also fueled a lifelong passion for technology, and the responsible use of energy and water.
The Role of the San Antonio Area Foundation
Along with CPS Energy, Itron, and Dr. Webber, the San Antonio Area Foundation (SAAF) was also instrumental in bringing the SEE Scholarship Program to life, ensuring that every dollar invested truly made a difference for students and the community. Acting as the program’s trusted financial steward, SAAF carefully managed and distributed scholarship funds so that donor contributions from Itron, CPS Energy, and other partners directly supported student success. As one of San Antonio’s most respected philanthropic institutions, SAAF is dedicated to helping individuals and organizations give back in ways that create lasting impact. Through its ongoing work in grants, scholarships, and community initiatives, the foundation strengthens local nonprofits, fosters educational opportunity, and builds a stronger, more equitable city. By managing the SEE Scholarship, SAAF not only guaranteed transparency and accountability but also amplified the reach of the program, allowing the SEE students access to transformative educational experiences.
The Impact of SEE on the San Antonio Community
The SEE Scholarship’s impact extended far beyond the individual students it supported. By helping young people pursue education and careers in STEM fields, SEE contributed to a stronger, more resilient energy workforce in San Antonio, across Texas, and beyond. Each scholar represented a new perspective, a new idea, and a new opportunity to drive creativity and ingenuity in the energy sector.
For the community, the program was a reminder that education is the foundation of progress. By investing in students, partners like Itron, CPS Energy, and the San Antonio Area Foundation invested in the city’s future. The SEE Scholarships influence continues through every student whose path was shaped by its support. Together, these organizations demonstrated that when collaboration, philanthropy, and education align, the results can power entire communities for generations to come.
