83 Local High School Students Complete ComEd, HFS Chicago Scholars Fall Program on Way to STEM Career
The Create a Spark program, initiated by ComEd and HFS Chicago Scholars, celebrates its fifth year, graduating its second class. This four-year curriculum aims to train high-achieving Chicago high school students in energy, climate change, and renewables. Currently, 37 juniors and 46 seniors are involved, with 100% of the 2022 graduates attending college, and 60% pursuing STEM degrees. Students completed community outreach projects and designed energy-efficient model homes. The program prepares future clean energy professionals and emphasizes mentorship to encourage STEM careers.
- 100% of the 2022 graduating class is attending college, with 60% pursuing STEM degrees.
- Create a Spark program has enrolled over 175 students since its inception in 2018.
- Involvement of students in real-world projects enhances their learning and encourages STEM career pursuits.
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Chicagoland students wrap up fall semester of Create a Spark program, focused on building next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators
“From energy basics to applied engineering, the ComEd Create a Spark program provides hands-on learning opportunities for students to learn about the power grid,” said
Since fall 2018, ComEd has welcomed over 175 students into the Create a Spark program. One hundred percent of the 2022 graduating class is currently attending a college or university, and 60 percent of those students are pursuing a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) degree. The program uses a rigorous four-year, hybrid curriculum to connect students with ComEd mentors.
“HFS prides itself on the success of its scholars, and much of that success can be attributed to the valuable mentorship these students receive during their four-year program,” said
This year’s junior class ended their semester with a community outreach project designed to educate ComEd customers on their energy efficiency and personal impact on climate change. Their projects focused on the power of a social media campaign detailing simple, affordable actions ComEd customers can take to be reduce their monthly power bills and energy use, including exchanging incandescent light bulbs for LEDs and unplugging appliances when not in use. These campaigns were presented to ComEd engineers and executives on
The 2022 senior class designed, insulated and built their own energy efficient model homes, complete with solar panels. This project helped teach these young adults about the cost of their energy bill while exposing them to various aspects of STEM to complete their homes. A graduation ceremony for these students will be held in spring 2023.
Freshmen and sophomore students will participate in Create a Spark during the 2023 spring semester, where freshmen will learn about energy and STEM careers and sophomores will focus on electric circuits and components of the power grid.
“NEED programming teaches students about energy, but it also allows them to gain the workforce and leadership skills necessary for their future careers,” said
Interested students can apply to HFS in the fall of eighth grade. To qualify, students must plan to attend a private high school that requires tuition in the Chicagoland area and meet a variety of academic criteria. All HFS Chicago Scholar participants are automatically enrolled in the Create a Spark program.
The ComEd Create a Spark program is one of many STEM education programs offered throughout the year. Other signature programs include,
Students, parents and educators interested in being notified about upcoming ComEd STEM youth programs and when to apply can submit their email address at: STEMsignUp.com/ComEd.
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HFS Chicago Scholars helps underserved
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Source: ComEd
