Dolton Student Receives ComEd Scholarship, Fully Covered Tuition

DOLTON, IL — A second year student from Dolton, pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is one recipient of a ComEd scholarship, filling the tuition gap not covered by financial aid.

ComEd said in a release on Dec. 3, they are helping local students attain their STEM education goals, while developing a workforce that is "as diverse as the communities it serves." The company said they will provide scholarships to Illinois students pursuing engineering degrees for eight students. These students make up the ComEd Scholars program's newest class of recipients that attend the Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech) and UIC.

"ComEd lifts the communities it serves and the first step in that process is helping young people further their education and pursue their dreams," said Michelle Blaise, ComEd's senior vice president of technical services and an Illinois Tech mechanical engineering alumna.

"This year in particular, students and their families face economic challenges. By supporting these students now, we hope they will gain the education necessary to develop the innovations that help local communities succeed in the future," Blaise said.

According to the release, this is the second year ComEd is offering this scholarship, which provides coverage of education-related costs not covered by financial aid, allowing students to pursue STEM degrees locally for the rest of their undergraduate careers.

In addition, ComEd Scholars are guaranteed an opportunity to interview for internships at ComEd and its parent company, Exelon, and are invited to participate in a mentorship program with ComEd engineers, the release states. ComEd has previously provided scholarships to four students through this program.

According to the release, to qualify for the ComEd Scholars program, students are first recommended by their respective schools. Each school's financial aid office then partners with academic advisors to identify high-performing students facing financial burdens to continue their education. Prospective recipients then have to submit a personal statement, financial-aid application and school transcripts.

Sultan Muhammad, from Dolton, is a second year mechanical engineer student at UIC. Muhammad said he is grateful to receive the award.

"As a Muhammad University of Islam alumni, born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, I am thankful for the opportunity to learn from professionals, gain experience and develop my career path in the field of engineering with the ultimate mindset of making our cities and communities better places to live," Muhammad said.

"I intend to contribute innovative tools, ideas, and efficient technologies needed to benefit the infrastructure of my community and nation," Muhammad said. "With such vision in mind, I am extremely humbled to be considered and to have received the ComEd scholarship."

Other 2020 ComEd Scholars are:

• Daniel Arechiga – a second-year student from Lockport, Ill., pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at Illinois Tech.
• Neil Young – a second-year student from Freeport, Ill., pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering at Illinois Tech.
• Lake Crowell – a third-year student from Chicago's Near West Side neighborhood, pursuing a degree in industrial engineering at UIC.
• Victoria Dorris – a third-year student from Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood, pursuing a degree in industrial engineering at UIC.
• Anahi Soto – a second-year student from Maywood, Ill., pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at UIC.
• Lauren-Charlise Walls – a second-year student from Chicago's Avalon Park neighborhood, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at UIC.
• Caleb Williams – a second-year student from Chicago's Auburn Gresham neighborhood, pursuing a degree in electrical engineering at UIC.

"ComEd's unwavering leadership and support is a testament to their commitment to investing in the talented young minds that will shape the future of STEM," said UIC CHANCE Director Kendal Parker.

For more information on the scholarship program, visit ComEd's website, here.