100 local high school students from Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey participated in the Exelon Foundation STEM Academies
PHILADELPHIA, PA. PECO, Atlantic City Electric and the Exelon Foundation celebrated the successful completion of the 2026 Exelon Foundation STEM Academies at Saint Joseph’s University on August 7, following a week of innovation, hands-on learning, and career exploration.
A total of 100 high school students from across Southeastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey took part in the immersive program, designed to introduce young people to careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Throughout the week, students participated in interactive workshops, educational field trips and mentoring sessions led by PECO and Exelon employees. Working in teams, participants tackled real-world energy challenges facing communities today and presented their innovative solutions to a panel of judges during a final showcase.
The Exelon Foundation STEM Academies are designed to encourage young women and men to pursue careers in STEM fields while helping build the workforce of the future. Students represented dozens of local high schools throughout the region.
“The STEM Academies experience gives students a firsthand look at the exciting possibilities within STEM fields while helping them build confidence, leadership skills and lasting connections with mentors,” said Carniesha Kwashie, Director of Corporate Community Impact at PECO. “We are proud to support programs that inspire the next generation of innovators, problem solvers and community leaders.”
Sponsored by the Exelon Foundation, the free week-long academies serve high school juniors and seniors ages 15 to 18 by providing hands-on STEM learning, mentorship and career exploration opportunities. Since launching in 2018, the program has helped students develop valuable skills and discover future pathways in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
In addition to Philadelphia, the academies are held annually in Northern Illinois, Baltimore and the Washington, D.C. region, expanding access to STEM education across Exelon’s service territories.
As part of its ongoing commitment to educational equity, the Exelon Foundation also allows academy alumni to apply for the Chris Crane Memorial Scholarship, which provides selected students with a four-year full-ride college scholarship and summer internship opportunities with Exelon and its operating companies.