Téa Byrd, Jocelyn Silva and Lulia Tekeste each have a passion for STEM-related studies. And now, thanks to the ComEd Scholars program, these juniors from Chicago’s DePaul College Prep have an opportunity to transform that passion into careers in STEM.
Byrd, Silva and Tekeste were all selected by ComEd to receive financial support as part of this year’s ComEd Scholars cohort. The scholarships, awarded annually, support juniors and seniors from underserved communities who are interested in pursuing careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).
“The ComEd scholarship is an opportunity that opens doors I would have never imagined,” Tekeste said. “The mentorship and scholar community means I know I will always have a group of people who share similar passions and who will always have my back.”
This year’s recipients receive academic scholarships that run through the remainder of their academic careers at DePaul College Prep and continue should they enroll in STEM-related studies at DePaul University. DePaul College Prep has partnered with ComEd since 2017 to offer the ComEd Scholars program.
Upon enrollment in STEM-related studies at DePaul University, cohort participants have an opportunity to interview for internships at ComEd and participate in a mentorship program with ComEd employees.
“It’s an amazing opportunity that will lead me to find more connections with others and learn more experiences to help me exceed through the field of engineering,” Silva said.
The ComEd scholarship is an opportunity that opens doors I would have never imagined.
ComEd Scholars is one of many programs that the energy company developed to help residents across northern Illinois develop skills to become a successful part of the workforce of the future. Since 2018, ComEd, in partnership with state and workforce development agencies, has recruited and trained over 1,000 people and helped them find careers in the clean energy industry.
In addition to its partnership with DePaul College Prep, ComEd also works with the Illinois Institute of Technology and the University of Illinois Chicago to provide scholarships to students pursuing engineering degrees at those schools.
More information about the 2021 ComEd Scholars from DePaul College Prep:
Jocelyn Silva, a junior at DePaul College Prep and The Frances Xavier Warde School alumna from Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, is interested in pursuing a degree in structural engineering.
Téa Byrd, a junior at DePaul College Prep and Ogden Elementary School alumna from downtown Chicago, is interested in pursuing a degree in engineering.
Lulia Tekeste, a junior at DePaul College Prep and Prussing Elementary School alumna from Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood, is interested in pursuing a degree in biology.
