Today, Latinos make up just two percent of students graduating with degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), the fastest growing career segment. ComEd is seeking to change that as it kicks off its third-annual Solar Spotlight program designed to inspire Latino high school students to pursue STEM career. ComEd’s Solar Spotlight program takes Latino students on a two-day “journey” where they learn and apply key principles of solar energy. Participants help build We Share Solar® Suitcases – portable power units, equipped with solar panels, that produce light and enough power to charge small devices for several hours. Students will work with ComEd mentors as they assemble and test functional solar suitcases.

ComEd hopes to inspire Solar Spotlight students to consider STEM careers as they progress through school. “As the largest ethnic community in the country, Latinos have the power to make great contributions to STEM fields,” said Joe Dominguez, CEO of ComEd. “If we can inspire students by combining science and engineering education with real-world applications, they may realize their full potential in the STEM workforce and their own impact on the environment and our communities.” Students taking part in this unique program will also assemble solar panels that will be used to light a replica of some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings. Each building will have lights in the colors of a different Latin American flag. The building replicas will be featured along the runway during Chicago’s Latino Fashion Week in mid-October. “We want Chicago’s skyline to motivate the next generation of Latino leaders in power and solar energy,” Dominguez said. “We want students in our program to realize their potential for a bright future as a part of the STEM workforce.” To learn more about the ComEd Solar Spotlight Program, visit ComEd.com/SolarSpotlight.