Cal Water Awards Inaugural College Scholarship Program Awards

Scholarships Awarded to 31 Students in Cal Water Service Areas

SAN JOSE, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 01/14/15 -- California Water Service Company (Cal Water), the largest subsidiary of California Water Service Group (NYSE: CWT), announced today the recipients of the company's inaugural scholarship program cycle. Cal Water launched the scholarship program last fall for students in its service areas as part of its commitment to improving the quality of life in the communities it serves.

Cal Water awarded scholarships totaling more than $60,000 to 31 students based on academic achievement and community service. Students from Cal Water's Bayshore and Stockton districts received the two top scholarships of $10,000, while 29 other scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 were awarded throughout the state.

The scholarship program, which is administered by Scholarship Management Services, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is funded by Cal Water's shareholders, not ratepayers.

To be eligible for a scholarship, students must live in a Cal Water service area, plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational-technical school, and not already possess a degree or diploma from an accredited two- or four-year college or vocational-technical school.

"We are committed to improving the quality of life in the communities we serve, and this scholarship program is one tangible way that we can make a difference in our customers' lives," said President and CEO Martin A. Kropelnicki. "It is truly gratifying to help these remarkable young men and women pursue their dreams."

The next scholarship cycle will open in spring 2015 for students pursuing higher education in the fall of 2015. To learn more about the scholarship program, visit www.calwater.com/community/scholarship.

Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 473,100 service connections in California. The company has provided water service in the state since 1926. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.

Released January 14, 2015