BALTIMORE (October 26, 2022) — Constellation (NASDAQ: CEG), the nation’s largest producer of carbon-free energy and a leading supplier of energy products and services, is expanding its commitment to being a catalyst for positive change, advancing educational opportunities and inspiring equity in energy throughout the communities the company serves.
Through Constellation Scholars, a philanthropic program combining existing and new educational support initiatives, Constellation is working with colleges and nonprofit organizations to commit more than $1.5 million in scholarships over 10 years reaching 100 students across the United States. Scholarships range from one-time awards of $1,500 up to five-year renewable scholarships totaling $25,000 per scholar.
“Part of our commitment to accelerate the clean energy transition is growing our investment in the communities we serve and the talented young men and women who will help lead us toward a more sustainable future,” said Joe Dominguez, president and CEO, Constellation. “We’re dedicated to bridging the educational and opportunity gaps that exist in our society and supporting the bright young minds who have the potential to become leaders in our industry and in STEM fields overall.”
Constellation Scholars intersects with the company’s workforce development strategy to help advance the skills of individuals currently underrepresented in the energy sector through career awareness and equitable access. A combination of several initiatives across the company, the program strives to help young people attain good-paying, family-sustaining careers in energy and STEM fields. Initiatives include:
- Community Partnership Scholarships: To provide academic scholarships to students in need, Constellation has expanded successful relationships and established new connections with select nonprofit organizations and high schools that reach underserved communities. For example, Constellation’s employee-led Rising Scholars program will renew for its second cohort. The company has committed more than $1.3 million in scholarship awards over a 10-year period.
- University Scholarships: Constellation has committed to providing academic scholarships to 10 universities. Through Constellation Scholars, colleges such as Howard University, University of Illinois Chicago, Syracuse University and others collectively receive nearly $150,000 in annual funding to support students pursuing degrees in STEM-related fields.
- Local Community Scholarships: Constellation nuclear sites across the country also support local educational institutions in their respective communities, including select local high schools and colleges, such as Oswego Community College and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Collectively, they receive $85,000 in annual funding.
“Growing up in an immigrant family, we have a budget that is very restricted, so earning this scholarship means everything to me,” said 2022 Constellation Scholars recipient Arly Bencosme, a freshman business major at Carnegie Mellon University. “I am the first in my family to attend college in the U.S., so having this financial help means that I have the option of not working while taking classes, so I can focus solely on school. With the help from Constellation, I’m that much closer to making my dreams a reality.”
The Constellation Scholars program also provides mentorship opportunities to its awardees. Many scholars are paired with Constellation employees or community mentors who provide support and guidance, in addition to introducing them to potential internship and career opportunities in their chosen field of study.
“The Constellation Scholars Program is an exciting addition to the company’s longstanding support of Baltimore City public school students,” said Jennifer Covahey, director of college success, CollegeBound. “CollegeBound is especially grateful for Constellation’s genuine commitment to supporting city schools’ scholars beyond the scholarship. Including Constellation Scholars in our College Completion Program provides each scholar with wraparound services through college graduation.”