CATONSVILLE, Md. — From Boys to STEM.
That’s the name of the summer academy for high school boys in science, technology, engineering and math that’s taking place this week at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, sponsored by the Exelon Foundation.
WATCH: Baltimore County welcomes over 100 students to weeklong STEM Academy
Nearly 100 students who live in BGE’s service territory are working in teams to solve an energy problem in areas in Baltimore that are brownfields, abandoned properties that have contamination.
“What we found was an old, abandoned museum and our plan was to use not only solar panels but using water below as well,” says Daniel Nwah, a senior at Parkville High School. “Because this is centered next to the harbor, so using water we can turn that not only into renewable energy but clean energy.”
Daniel says the academy has been an eye-opening experience.
“I’d say it’s the sweet spot,” he says. “Because I’ve always tried to find creative, like-minded individuals, in specifically STEM programs. And it’s just an amazing experience.”
Exelon employees and science and math teachers from the nonprofit National Energy Education Development, or N.E.E.D., are serving as mentors, offering real-world insight and discussing careers.
Former attendees like Tyler Washington, a recent graduate of the Western School of Technology and Environmental Science, are also helping the students.
“This program genuinely changed my life,” says Tyler. Not only did I get hands-on experience, I was fully immersed into the world of engineering. This took it to a whole new level, honestly. This turned my love into a passion, and I truly, I just enjoy it.”
The students are eligible to apply for a foundation scholarship, like Tyler did. He has a full-ride scholarship to Temple University in the fall, thanks to the program.
