Youth Ambassadors at Argonne in Chicago South Side STEM Showcase
From solar-powered toy car racing to rapping about renewable energy, 77 teens presented last week what they learned this summer as part of the ComEd Youth Ambassador program. The very next day, ten of those students participated in the first annual Argonne in Chicago South Side STEM Showcase hosted by Argonne National Laboratory at the Pullman National Historic Park. During the event, students from more than 20 STEM and training programs presented their projects, showcasing their understanding of things like coding, robotics, and solar energy while interacting with STEM leaders.
“The South Side STEM Showcase serves as a key part of our effort to work with our community partners to create a STEM pipeline,” said Jessica Burgess, Argonne STEM education partnership and outreach manager. “By strategically linking these opportunities, we ensure that students can progress smoothly in their STEM education, building on each experience for future success.”
As a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, one of Argonne’s focus areas is researching clean energy, which, a recent study found, will create up to 150,000 jobs in Illinois by 2050. That’s why ComEd is committed to ensuring that the growing energy field is accessible by inspiring youth from diverse communities to explore rewarding careers in the company and industry.
“In collaboration with After School Matters, we’re proud to have offered the Youth Ambassadors program for twelve years now as a bridge for youth who are exploring future careers that will be key to delivering a cleaner energy future for our communities,” said Laticia Holbert, senior manager of workforce development for ComEd. “Clean energy jobs are some of the fastest growing in the nation, and at ComEd, we are committed to creating pathways for more local, diverse youth to prepare to step into these roles.”
Pole-climbing demo at ComEd Chicago Training Center
During the six-week Youth Ambassadors program, teens ages 14-18 learn what it takes to power their communities, how clean and efficient energy helps combat climate change, and the role they can play in the clean energy transition whether that be as an electrical engineer, an overhead line worker, or a mechanic, just to name a few.
After School Matters (ASM) hosted Youth Ambassadors across Chicago including at the ASM Lutz Center on the north side, ASM Gately Center on the south side, and Perspective IIT Math & Science Academy in Bronzeville. Students also received a tour of the ComEd Chicago Training Center where they witnessed pole-climbing demonstrations and participated in hands-on science projects like building a mini pole circuit. They even got to job shadow professionals in construction and nursing to have a taste of what a day is like for different careers in the energy field.
“Providing teens with enriching experiences during their summer break is one of the best things we can do for our youth as they begin to shape their identity and explore future possibilities,” said Mary Ellen Caron, After School Matters CEO. “By working with ComEd and Argonne, leaders in their respective fields, we’re able to introduce more teens to the world of STEM and get them excited about their education and future career opportunities.”
Youth Ambassadors building a mini pole circuit.
“I loved my program this summer,” said Sariah, ComEd Youth Ambassador. “I learned about electrical classification and electrical theory. I learned how to create a circuit board to power lights on and off which I’ve never done before.”
“I learned about ways to create renewable clean energy sources for the community,” said Donel, ComEd Youth Ambassador. “I discovered new skills in team building and collaboration that I can use after high school and in my future job.”
ComEd partners with After School Matters (ASM) every year to connect youth from across Chicago with industry experts and learn about a wide variety of career paths. Youth Ambassadors is just one example of how ComEd continues to invest in STEM education and job training programs, which last year reached more than 2,000 local residents. To learn more about ComEd’s education and career training offerings, visit www.ComEd.com/CleanEnergyJobs.
