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The Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design (Klesse College) at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is launching a new scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in the renewable energy industry. The fund is made possible by a $250,000 gift from OCI Energy.

Starting in the fall of 2025, the UTSA Klesse College will award two $10,000 scholarships annually to students pursuing engineering degrees focused on renewable energy. Additionally, the UTSA Alumni Association will provide one $10,000 scholarship per academic year to students majoring in business management, economics, or political science who are interested in the renewable energy sector.

OCI Energy is led by Sabah Bayatli, a UTSA alumnus who earned his second master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the university. Bayatli began his career with OCI Energy as an intern while at UTSA and rose to become the company’s youngest president in 2023.

“As a proud UTSA alumnus, it’s an honor to invest in the future of renewable energy by supporting the next generation of engineers, innovators, and policymakers,” Bayatli said. “This initiative aligns with OCI Energy’s mission to power a cleaner and brighter future and reflects our commitment to the well-being and growth of the communities where we operate across the U.S.”

OCI Energy will also continue to hire UTSA undergraduate and graduate students as interns, with the potential for full-time employment after graduation. This partnership provides UTSA students with valuable work experience, professional development, and job opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

Scholarships like the OCI Energy Annual Scholarship are crucial in supporting students’ academic pursuits and connecting them with mentors and professionals in their chosen fields. Elijah Lopez, a former Klesse Scholar, attested to the impact of his academic scholarship. “I am incredibly grateful to have received my scholarship. It allowed me to work more closely with my professors and gave me the opportunity to connect with the deans, associate deans, and outside mentors,” Lopez said.

The renewable energy sector is experiencing rapid growth, with global employment reaching 16.2 million jobs in 2023. In the United States, clean energy employment grew by 142,000 positions in 2023, accounting for more than half of the new jobs in the energy sector. Initiatives like the OCI Energy Annual Scholarship aim to support students in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in this growing field.

OCI Energy is a leading developer, owner, and operator of utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects. The company is committed to accelerating the renewable energy transition with cleaner, more sustainable, reliable, and secure energy.

Sabah Bayatli remains deeply connected to UTSA, actively hiring graduates and offering internship opportunities to foster the next generation of talent in the renewable energy sector. Approximately 25% of OCI Energy’s employees are UTSA alumni.

Eric Brey, dean of the Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design, praised the partnership. “This is an incredible investment from OCI Energy in the Klesse College. The scholarships are critical financial support, and the internships provide students real work experience and professional development in the field of renewable energy. The opportunity for full-time employment after graduation brings our partnership full circle.”

Russell Wagner, executive director of the UTSA Alumni Association, added, “OCI Energy has always been a shining example of hiring UTSA graduates and the success that can come with that. It is a company on the rise, and we are humbled by its willingness to provide critical support in the form of scholarships and to prepare students for the next phase of their lives through internships. This is a special day for UTSA.

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