Exelon Foundation STEM Leadership Academy accepts 60 high school girls to help bridge the gender gap in STEM

The fifth annual Exelon Foundation STEM Leadership Academy week-long program opened its doors at University City Science/Drexel University to 60 girl high school students from schools in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties on Sunday, July 23, 2023

- Breina Burnett

The participants applied to the academy with an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and quickly learned that the program was not only about STEM; but more so about gaining a work ethic, class etiquette, networking skills, and building their resume.

During this program, participants were paired with girls from all over Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware and were able to lean on adult and student mentors throughout the week. They also had the opportunity to meet different business and community leaders such as the president and CEO of Exelon, Calvin Butler; the CEO of PECO, Michael A. Innocenzo; Chief operating officer, Nicole LeVine; Charrise R. Lillie and other board of directors.

“I attended the academy last year and had a fabulous experience; that is why I’m back this year as a mentor. I truly believe in the Exelon Foundation, the resources that Exelon provides allow students to have a brighter future and expose them to many areas of STEM that they may not have seen before. As mentors, we are trying to show that it's not impossible for females to be able to do well in this field— I do think it's a phenomenal opportunity, the fact that they get to experience college life, residence halls, etc.” said Aditi Mangal, STEM Academy student mentor.

The Exelon Foundation Stem Leadership Academy