McClatchy High School senior Shazmine Randle earned a $100 college scholarship Friday from Pacific Gas and Electric, but she has her eyes on the company's $30,000 prize.

Randle and several other McClatchy students filled out applications in the school's college and career center at an event promoting PG&E's new $1 million scholarship program, which awards winners between $2,500 and $30,000.

"With my family, money is tight and scholarships will help me pay for college," said Randle, who is hoping to be accepted at UC Berkeley.

PG&E's scholarship program, called Bright Minds, aims to help high school, community college and adult students reach their higher education goals. The PG&E scholarship deadline is Feb. 17.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson said it was nice to be able to tell students about a new scholarships program while the load of educational debt is rising.

"This can help alleviate the burden," said Torlakson, who attended the McClatchy High event.

Students seeking other scholarships should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, by March 2. The application is required for government aid for college, including scholarships, grants or loans.

Students are encouraged to fill it out early, because many types of financial aid, such as grants, loans and work-study programs, are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Many colleges and universities require the student aid application even for non-need-based scholarships and academic awards.

McClatchy High head counselor Brad Klopp said the school has been holding workshops and one-on-one meetings with parents and students to make sure they fill out the application.

PG&E awarded McClatchy High $3,000, which the school will use primarily to update its college and career center. The school also distributed five $100 scholarships.

McClatchy High principal Peter Lambert said events like Monday's promoting PG&E's scholarship program help dispel the myth that college is unattainable for students unable to personally pay for it.

Assemblyman Roger Dickinson said PG&E's scholarship program is an example of a business making an investment in the future.

"We are living through difficult times with a lot of doom and gloom," Dickinson said. "This investment is an indication we are heading in the right direction."

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Call The Bee's Melody Gutierrez, (916) 326-5521. Follow her on Twitter @MelodyGutierrez.

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