California Renewable Energy Laboratory - CREL

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight:  Edna Yulissa Ramirez Marin - Bakersfield College

Edna Ramirez is a second-year student at Bakersfield College pursuing a degree in Engineering. She plans to build a career developing sustainable energy technologies. Edna intends to transfer to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to earn her bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and is honored to be a recipient of this scholarship.

Congratulations to Edna for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight:  Lucy Rodriguez - Bakersfield College

Lucy Rodriguez is a Biology major at Bakersfield College, graduating this May with a Liberal Arts degree. She will transfer to CSU Monterey Bay to pursue a Bachelor’s in Marine Science. She hopes to become a Marine Biologist, promote ocean conservation, inspire more girls to pursue STEM careers, and continue advancing her lifelong passion for protecting marine ecosystems.

Congratulations to Lucy for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Karynna Perez Loera - Bakersfield College

Karynna Perez Loera is an aspiring electrical engineer focused on sustainable energy and community impact. Her volunteer work at a school event sparked a passion for encouraging confidence in others. A Bakersfield native, she is committed to environmental justice, clean energy solutions, and creating inclusive spaces while pursuing transfer to CSU Bakersfield.

Congratulations to Karynna for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Arely Y Ortiz Martinez - Bakersfield College

Arely Y Ortiz Martinez is an environmental science student and community advocate. She organized cleanups, led outreach, and completed 1,747 volunteer hours. Inspired by her agricultural roots, she is committed to environmental justice, supporting farmworker health, and advancing sustainable, community-focused solutions through education and advocacy.

Congratulations to Arely for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: TJ Moreno - California State University, Bakersfield

TJ Moreno is a Biology student at California State University, Bakersfield, focused on freshwater ecology and sustainability. Through Kern River research and leadership as Biology Club president, he promotes conservation and community engagement. He plans to pursue graduate studies and a career developing sustainable fisheries management solutions.

Congratulations to TJ for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Lorena Gonzalez - Taft College

Lorena attends Taft College, completing her Associate’s 
in Engineering and planning to transfer to a four-year university for a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering. She 
aims for a career in manufacturing or materials engineering in consumer goods or automotive industries. She will graduate May 22, 2026, earning associate degrees in Mathematics and Liberal Arts.

Congratulations to Lorena for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Miguel Angel Jara Madrigal - Bakersfield College

Miguel Angel Jara-Madrigal is an Electrical Engineering 
student at Bakersfield College focused on renewable energy and solar engineering. Committed to sustainable innovation, he plans to complete his degree in late 2026 or early 2027. He aims to apply his skills to develop clean energy solutions and contribute to a more resilient, sustainable future through impactful engineering work.

Congratulations to Miguel for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Sustain Our Future Foundation Scholarship Recipient Highlight: Cassidy Alteparmakian - California State University, Bakersfield

Cassidy graduated from California State University, 
Bakersfield on December 15th, 2025 with her Bachelor 
of Science in Biology. Since graduation, she has pursued 
ecological research in allelopathy and plant-microbe 
interactions. She will attend Arizona State University 
beginning in the fall of 2026, where she plans to earn her 
Master of Science in Communication Disorders.

Congratulations to Cassidy for earning the SOFF Scholarship! 🎊👏

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Agrivoltaics Student Research Project final presentations!

Over the past 12 weeks, 12 students from and engaged in hands-on research under the guidance of Professor Jalisca Thomason, with support from partners at American Farmland Trust, the and HARVEST California.

Their work explored:
• Agrivoltaics system designs, including elevated solar, crop-integrated, and grazing systems
• Environmental benefits such as water conservation, soil health, and microclimate impacts
• Economic feasibility and real-world opportunities for farmers and communities

We at CREL are incredibly grateful to all who attended, asked thoughtful questions, and supported our students. Your engagement plays a key role in preparing the next generation of leaders in clean energy and sustainable agriculture.

On April 23rd, Kern CCD’s California Renewable Energy Laboratory (CREL) partnered with The AES Corporation and Sustain Our Future Foundation to host a dinner for the Kern County Sustainable Justice Scholars!

More than $50,000 were awarded to 8 students at Bakersfield College, Taft College, and Cal State Bakersfield pursuing careers in renewable energy and environmental justice. 6 awardees able to attend the dinner to receive their scholarship in person. Prior to the dinner, the Sustainable Justice Scholars went on a tour of AES’ Raceway solar energy and battery storage project near Rosamond.

Thank you to AES and SOFF for supporting Kern County students, and congratulations to the Sustainable Justice Scholars.