Exelon launches Boys to STEM Academy to support STEM education for young men

Exelon and The Exelon Foundation have introduced the Boys to STEM Academy, a new programme designed to encourage young men in grades 10 and 11 to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

The week-long programme, which began on 28 July, included climate-focused STEM challenges, discussions with industry leaders, and mentoring sessions with Exelon employees.

The Boys to STEM Academy is part of Exelon's broader efforts in educational equity and workforce development. Sixty students from Exelon’s service areas, including Illinois, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, participated in the programme held at the University of Maryland, College Park. 

The Academy’s curriculum provided these students with practical experience and guidance in STEM fields to motivate them to pursue further education and careers in these areas.

Research from the American Psychological Association (APA) suggests that young men often lack the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in higher education by the time they finish high school. The Boys to STEM Academy was established to address this issue by providing participants with resources and exposure to STEM opportunities.

Since 2018, The Exelon Foundation has hosted a similar STEM Academy for high school girls, including more than 1,200 participants. The Boys to STEM Academy builds on the success of that programme by addressing the specific needs of young men in the communities Exelon serves.

According to research from the National Centre for Science and Engineering Statistics, STEM careers are associated with lower unemployment rates and higher salaries compared to non-STEM jobs. Additionally, STEM skills are recognised as important for productivity, growth, and innovation in various industries. The Boys to STEM Academy provides a platform for students to consider these opportunities, potentially leading them toward career paths within Exelon, ranging from engineering to cybersecurity.

The programme’s curriculum included challenges and activities focused on climate science and technology, key areas within the energy sector. Participants also took part in mentoring sessions with Exelon employees, who offered insights into working in STEM fields and the career paths available.

“The new Boys to STEM Academy represents our expanding commitment to putting equity in energy, making it possible to reach even more young people across the communities we serve,” said Exelon President and Chief Executive Officer Calvin Butler. 

“Providing these young men access to a week-long STEM Academy shines a light on the opportunities they have for a career in STEM. We hope that by continuing to invest in bright young minds at critical points in their lives, we are not only positively influencing their future but the future of the entire energy industry.”