Early College STEM Program Ignites Futures for Chicago Military Academy Students

The Chicago Military Academy (CMA) at Bronzeville is set to ignite the futures of its students through an innovative Early College STEM program, backed by a $100,000 investment from ComEd and support from City Colleges of Chicago's Dawson Technical Institute. This partnership aims to provide high school students with advanced education pathways, career-readiness opportunities, and direct access to future-focused industries such as the energy sector.

The program, dubbed "Ignite Your Future," will enable CMA students to fast-track their pursuit of Associate degrees from City Colleges of Chicago. Starting Fall 2025, students can enroll in an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Construction Management, with an Associate of Applied Science in Construction Engineering and Management launching in Spring 2026. These offerings align with the growing demand for talent in the energy sector, with projections indicating up to 150,000 jobs coming to Illinois by 2050 to support the energy transformation (ComEd, 2025).

ComEd's support for the program includes curriculum development, work-based learning opportunities, and career mentorship through site visits, panel discussions, and project-based learning. This comprehensive approach helps build a local and skilled talent pipeline needed to modernize the grid that serves more than 9 million across northern Illinois (ComEd, 2025).

CMA is uniquely positioned to serve as the anchor school for the launching of the program, with an established Early College STEM (ECSTEM) program and pathways in IT, engineering, and 3D modeling that align with construction and utility work. The school's experienced leadership and educators with expertise in Early College STEM programming ensure a smooth integration of the expanded partnership.

The Early College STEM (ECSTEM) Model at CPS provides open-enrollment opportunities for students least likely to attend college, enabling them to earn a high school diploma, early college credit, and even an associate degree. The program connects high school, college, and work to prepare students for careers in technology and other in-demand industries. By partnering with Chicago Public Schools and City Colleges of Chicago, ComEd is investing in education and the future success of the great city and state (CPS, 2025).

The partnership complements CPS' strong partnership with City Colleges of Chicago through the Chicago Roadmap, which aims to support students along a seamless path to and through post-secondary education and training, on their way to their chosen careers. The Early College STEM program is about creating pathways to success, igniting futures, and empowering students to shape the world and their career trajectory in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (CPS, 2025).

In conclusion, the Early College STEM program at Chicago Military Academy, backed by ComEd and City Colleges of Chicago, offers a unique opportunity for students to ignite their futures in the energy sector. By providing advanced education pathways, career-readiness opportunities, and direct access to future-focused industries, the program helps build a skilled talent pipeline for the growing energy sector and empowers students to shape their own success.