POTTSTOWN — Two projects aimed at introducing students to science through hands-on activities have received $10,000 grants from Constellation’s E2 Energy to Educate grant programs.
The constellation is the Baltimore-based company spun off from Exelon to operate nuclear power plants, including Limerick Power Station.
Only 23 projects were selected nationally, including four in Pennsylvania. The awards at the YWCA TriCounty Area and the Pottstown School District are the only ones to be given in the same city.
• The $10,000 grant to the YWCA is for a project designed to introduce youth to solar energy applications and concepts.
In 2023, the YWCA will offer the STEAM Ahead Solar Car Race as part of its science, technology, engineering and math enrichment program for young people. The STEAM Ahead solar car race uses a program from the Philadelphia Solar Energy Association, which hosts the Jr. Solar Sprint for middle schoolers. A STEAM education leader will engage young people in STEAM concepts and projects to understand STEAM from a broad perspective – how STEAM concepts relate to their daily lives and renewable energy sources.
• The school district project will use the $10,000 to provide opportunities for high school students to gain insight into careers in science, both at the college level and in the trades, through visits to industrial sites, work, college visits, STEM camps, and other science-related summer programs. .
Nationwide, the scholarship program enables 20,000 middle-school students to pursue energy-related projects in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and supports the company’s focus on workforce development, equity and education by encouraging young people from diverse backgrounds to be excited about STEM.
According to a press release from Constellation, the chosen projects across the country focus specifically on energy equity, sustainability as a way of life and creating a sustainable world. Winning ideas included building a net-zero solar home, hydroelectric generators, electric vehicle kits, and youth-focused STEM education programs.
“Our Energy to Educate program is one of the many ways we are leaning towards encouraging young people to pursue and realize STEM ideas, with a focus on sustainability, innovation and social justice,” said Judy Rader, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Chief Communications Officer, Constellation. “It’s imperative that we act now to tackle the climate crisis, and we can’t wait to see what these students have in store for us as they work to realize a cleaner, brighter future for all.”
