October 1, 2021
Hi there, πŸ‘‹

We hope you are enjoying fall and are having a great school year! Stay on top of all of the inspiring STEM news featured below, as well as upcoming events and opportunities. βš›οΈ
Don't miss our upcoming STEM Leadership Academy events!
In-Person Chicago Social at Brookfield Zoo
If you attended the Chicago STEM Leadership Academy in 2018, 2019, 2020, or 2021, join us for a social at Brookfield Zoo on October 17th! You'll be able to meet and network with other young women who have attended the Chicago STEM Leadership Academy in past years and explore the zoo. You'll also get the chance to meet one of Brookfield Zoo's Animal Ambassadors! This event will be outdoors and proof of vaccination and masks will be required. 
October 20th- College 101
Join us to talk about all things college and advice for first generation college students on October 20th! Come ready to learn about financial aid, applications, loans, how to have a successful transition to college, and much more! We'll be joined by Melanie Griegoliet, Assistant Director of Orientation and First Year Programs at Northern Illinois University and Bridget Jones, Founder of Smart Sister Finance. 
October 27th- BioBus Demonstrations
Join the STEM Leadership Academy and BioBus for live, interactive, and immersive demonstrations! Using high-powered research microscopes we'll explore the world observing samples from nature and make observations, spark hypotheses, and design experiments. BioBus helps K-12 and college students discover, explore, and pursue science.
Meet Verona Hemphill, the first woman graduate from Pepco’s Utility Training Program at the D.C. Infrastructure Academy!
Verona Hemphill is the first woman to graduate from Pepco’s Utility Training Program at the D.C. Infrastructure Academy (DCIA). Led by the Department of Employment Services, DCIA recruits, screens, coordinates and trains residents for infrastructure jobs in Washington, D.C. DCIA partners with leading companies, like Pepco, in this high-demand field to propel aspiring professionals toward fulfilling careers in the energy and utility fields.

Now as a Mobile Operator for Pepco, Verona helps supply power to Washington D.C. and surrounding areas. ⚑ Watch the video below where Verona reflects on how she found out about DCIA, her experience in the classroom – even on the tough days – and gives us a glimpse at what a typical day is like for her in the field.
Check out these internships at Department of Energy labs!
The Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI) program encourages undergraduate students and recent college graduates to pursue STEM careers by providing research experiences at the Department of Energy (DOE) laboratories. Selected students participate as interns appointed at one of 17 participating DOE laboratories/facilities. They perform research, under the guidance of laboratory staff scientists or engineers, on projects supporting the DOE mission!
It's National Drive Electric Week!
National Drive Electric Week, Sep 25-Oct 3, 2021, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. πŸ”Œ National Drive Electric Week is holding virtual events to help bring awareness to a number of electric vehicle related topics. You can join a chat on solid state batteries, the next revolution in the electric vehicle area, or an event on autonomous vehicle technology. You can also join electric vehicles 101 to learn the basics.

Exelon also has its own fleet of electric vehicles. Exelon has committed to electrify 30% of our utility vehicle fleet by 2025 and 50% by 2030. This is a part of our larger commitment to reduce operations-driven emissions 50 percent by 2030 and ultimately to net-zero by 2050 as part of the continuing efforts to address the climate crisis. Read more about Exelon's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 here!
Ready, Set, Code! Register for the Congressional App Challenge:
The Congressional App Challenge is the most prestigious prize in student computer science! Participation in the challenge has grown exponentially to reach underserved student populations. Every year the U.S. House of Representatives challenges students in its districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). Each challenge is district-specific.

Students can use any programming language (example: C, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, β€œblock code,” etc.) and any platform (PC, web, tablet, robot, mobile, etc.). πŸ’» There are no limits on application theme or topic! To be eligible to participate in the Congressional App Challenge, you must be a middle or high school student at the time of app submission. Students may register as individuals or as teams of up to four. No more than four students are allowed to form a team. 
If you're in the Northern Illinois area, check out Northern Illinois University's STEM Fest!
Northern Illinois University's STEM Fest is a free in-person event on Saturday, October 23rd from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. that celebrates science, technology, engineering and math with hands-on activities, exhibits and talks. Featured activities include live demonstrations, talks about NASA, and environmental protection discussions.
Dr. Patricia Bath is set to become one of the first Black women inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame! πŸŽ‰
In 1986, Dr. Bath invented one of the most important surgical tools in the history of ophthalmology β€” the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment. Her use of the Excimer Laser helped to create a device and new method that is responsible for the minimally invasive cataract surgery that we know today.

β€œTo know that my mother is part of the 2022 class of National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees is an unbelievable honor,” said her daughter Dr. Eraka Bath. β€œHer incredible path- and her contributions to the study of ophthalmology, cannot be understated. The NIHF distinction is an overdue recognition of her accomplishments.”

Eye surgeons today still use Dr. Bath’s method to continue to restore and improve vision for millions of patients that suffer from cataracts across the globe! Read more about Dr. Patricia Bath's path here!
Exelon and our operating companies are sharing fun updates on social media! Be sure to keep in touch and follow us:

Exelon Foundation STEM Innovation Leadership Academy www.exelonstemacademy.org