ComEd STEM Labs Inspires 50 High School Students to Pursue STEM Careers

In the heart of Chicago, ComEd's STEM Labs program is making waves this Women’s History Month, inspiring 50 high school students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The program, which has been running since 2015, aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM fields by providing young women with the mentorship, networking opportunities, and hands-on experiences they need to succeed.

The event on March 22, 2025, was a testament to the program's effectiveness. Fifty local high school students joined more than 25 ComEd professionals for a day of mentoring and networking. The highlight of the day was a Women in STEM panel featuring Cheryl Maletich, Senior Vice President of Transmission and Substation at ComEd; Najwa Abouhassan, Senior Manager Operations Planning at ComEd; Jessica Jaramillo, Manager of Transmission and Substation at ComEd; and Kimberly Moore, Founder and CEO of KDM Engineering and founder of Calculated Genius, Inc., a Chicago-based non-profit dedicated to helping young women of color pursue STEM careers. The panel was moderated by Traci Briscoe, president of the Network of Exelon Women – Chicago, a ComEd employee resource group.



The panelists shared their experiences and insights, providing the students with a glimpse into the real-world applications of STEM and the unique paths that lead to successful careers in these fields. "Representation and mentorship are critical for building the next generation of STEM leaders," said Kimberly Moore. "It’s not just about sparking interest—it's about sustaining it by showing young women that they belong in these spaces, that their voices matter, and that there’s a powerful community ready to support them."

The program's focus on mentorship and networking is backed by research. A study published in the International Journal of STEM Education found that students' positive perceptions of STEM professionals are positively associated with their career aspirations. However, this relationship is conditional on students' self-concept, or their perceived abilities in specific academic domains. The ComEd STEM Labs program addresses this by providing students with role models who look like them and have achieved success in STEM fields.

The program also emphasizes the importance of hands-on activities and workshops. The event on March 22, 2025, included activities that "build students’ experience, inspire their imagination, and put them on a path to success" (ComEd STEM Labs event, March 22, 2025). These activities allow students to engage with STEM concepts in a practical way, fostering the development of skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.

The measurable outcomes of the program are impressive. Since the program began in 2015, approximately 2,000 students from across northern Illinois have participated in various events to inspire their STEM future and connect them with ComEd mentors. This ongoing engagement suggests that the program is effectively fostering interest and participation in STEM fields among female students.

The ComEd STEM Labs program is a model for how other educational settings can inspire and prepare students for careers in STEM fields. By providing mentoring and networking opportunities, featuring diverse role models, incorporating hands-on activities, fostering a sense of community and support, and emphasizing diverse representation, the program has created a pipeline of young women who are ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century.

As the workforce continues to evolve, the demand for STEM professionals is soaring. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEM occupations is projected to increase by nearly 11% by 2032, significantly faster than the average occupation. By providing female high school students with the opportunity to hear from and network with successful women in STEM, ComEd is taking steps to close the gender gap in the STEM workforce and providing mentorship to continue encouraging these students to pursue impactful careers in STEM.

The ComEd STEM Labs program is just one example of how ComEd is preparing more students across northern Illinois to become leaders in the clean-energy transition. With increased electrification, data, and technology in our daily lives, STEM career opportunities will continue to grow, providing family-sustaining careers for many developing professionals. By investing in the next generation of STEM leaders, ComEd is helping to ensure that the future of work is bright and inclusive for all.