.jpg)
Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) urges schools to apply for ComEd’s Energizing Student Potential (ESP) program, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
The program is available for fifth through eighth grades.
Schools receive a $500 cash grant that helps them develop and implement a STEM project and a community project, as well as hands-on kits and curriculum with a value of $3,000. ESP will provide a two-day professional development training for two teachers per school, with a refresher workshop halfway through the school year.
The program also gives schools a kit for hosting an energy fair. Students at ESP schools will also have access to field trips and opportunities for classroom visits and connections with STEM professionals to learn more about STEM energy careers.
McCombie said schools in Carroll, Whiteside, Rock Island and Henry County are eligible for ESP. Schools must apply before May 1 at www.Need.org/ESP.
The program is a collaborative effort of ComEd, Exelon Foundation, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, North Shore Gas and BP America, working in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project.
Alerts Sign-up