REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Recognition of the Recipients of the Fourth Annual Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Scholarship Program in Partnership with Santa Clara University
Report
BACKGROUND
The Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Program provides scholarships and fellowships to up to 35 future leaders in sustainability, clean energy, climate action and related fields. On May 19, 2026, the City Council will recognize the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Program fellows from Santa Clara University.
DISCUSSION
On June 7, 2022, the City of Santa Clara City Council unanimously approved the Silicon Valley Power Sustainable Futures Program, which will provide scholarships and fellowships to up to 35 leaders in sustainability over 5 years, clean energy and related fields. Each year there are four scholarship recipients and three fellows. The goal of the program is to develop a pipeline future leaders in sustainability and clean energy.
The innovative, five-year program is funds an annual grant of $75,000 per year for a total of $375,000 from Silicon Valley Power (SVP). Selected students will use the funds to attend and receive advanced opportunities at Santa Clara University and its award-winning environmental and sustainability curriculum.
The program is designed to improve students' skill sets to compete for emerging green jobs. The skill requirements are expanding rapidly, particularly in the Bay Area, where energy, sustainability and climate drivers are leading the way in accelerating this field.
On July 18, 2025, the City of Santa Clara funded an additional grant of $138,720 for the creation of a two-year Postbaccalaureate Fellow position. Leonie Casper was hired for this role in August 2025 and has since connected program recipients with sustainability careers through mentoring current scholars and fellows, providing project-based oversight, and facilitating professional development opportunities. She has also contributed to hos...
Click here for full text