Constellation and Community College of Baltimore County Announce STEM Scholarship Program

August 10, 2015 | By Business Wire News

BALTIMORE

Constellation, a leading competitive retail energy supplier, and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) today announced the Constellation STEM Scholars program during a kickoff celebration at the college’s Essex campus. The program, made possible through a $50,000 grant from Constellation, will provide scholarships to students pursuing associate degrees and certificates in programs that require STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) knowledge including computer science, HVAC, environmental science, and engineering.

The program will seek to increase the number of low-income, academically talented students who are completing degrees and certificates in programs that require STEM knowledge – particularly women and minorities – by providing the support they need financially, socially, academically, and professionally.

“Minorities now account for almost 40 percent of K-12 students in the United States, yet they earn only 27 percent of associate degrees from community colleges,” said CCBC President Sandra L. Kurtinitis. “Constellation’s contribution will allow us to provide traditionally under-served and low-income students who want to pursue STEM-related fields with both financial and academic support.”

“The need for quality programs to encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields has been well documented, particularly in the energy industry as we work toward a greener energy future.” said Joseph Nigro, CEO of Constellation. “Constellation is dedicated to creating educational opportunities in our community. We are pleased that our contribution will enable CCBC to provide scholarships, guidance, and hands-on learning experiences to fulfill the need for capable and educated job candidates.”

As part of the program, students will be offered the opportunity to shadow engineers and solar installers during the construction of Constellation’s recently announced 5.1 megawatt solar project at CCBC to gain a greater understanding of available STEM career opportunities and valuable on the job experience.

Second year student Funke Okunrinboye is pursuing an associate degree in mathematics, and hopes to transfer to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County next fall to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“CCBC’s STEM education programs have broadened my horizons and helped me set career goals,” said Okunrinboye. “Participating in job shadowing has given me a deeper insight into the practical applications of what I’ve learned in the classroom.”

The program will also provide students with support services, including workshops, mentoring, lectures, study groups, social activities, and outreach activities through the STEM Club student group. In coordination with Constellation, CCBC will establish pipelines that connect scholarship students to opportunities for internships or full-time employment.

About Constellation

Constellation is a leading competitive retail supplier of power, natural gas and energy products and services for homes and businesses across the continental United States. Constellation’s family of retail businesses serves more than 2.5 million residential, public sector and business customers, including more than two-thirds of the Fortune 100. Baltimore-based Constellation is a subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with 2014 revenues of approximately $27.4 billion, and more than 32,000 megawatts of owned capacity comprising one of the nation’s cleanest and lowest-cost power generation fleets. Learn more at www.constellation.com or on Twitter at @ConstellationEG.

About the Community College of Baltimore County

CCBC is ranked among the number one providers of undergraduate education, workforce development, technology training, and lifelong learning/life enrichment in the Baltimore Metropolitan area. Rooted in the community since 1957, CCBC offers a unique approach to learning that empowers people to transform their lives.

Nationally recognized as a leader in innovative learning strategies, CCBC educates nearly 65,000 people each year, including more than half of all Baltimore County residents attending undergraduate college. Its Continuing Education division is the preferred training partner for Maryland businesses, serving more than 100 employers annually with customized employee development training.

CCBC is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (267-284-5000). The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.