Exelon, ComEd Volunteers Mentor Aurora's Next Generation of Engineers for National Volunteer Week
Employee volunteers from ComEd and parent company Exelon spent this past Saturday mentoring young math and science enthusiasts from two East Aurora middle schools and showing them a day in the life of an engineer. The event, held at Exelon's Cantera Emergency Operating Facility in Warrenville, was part of Exelon's companywide celebration of National Volunteer Week.
The students from Cowherd and Waldo middle schools participated in hands-on activities designed to educate them about the energy industry. Exelon and ComEd volunteers demonstrated how they use math and science concepts in their daily work. The students also viewed a safety demonstration and a utility service truck equipped with a 200-foot ladder that technicians use to fix power lines.
“ComEd is committed to fostering innovation and supporting education for the next generation in the communities where ComEd customers and employees live and work,” said Tyler Anthony, project co-sponsor and senior vice president, Distribution Operations, ComEd. “Making learning fun can help inspire tomorrow's leaders and we're proud to be a part of that.”
The event is one of more than 100 community service projects Exelon employee volunteers organized for National Volunteer Week. More than 1,500 Exelon employees, family members and friends are expected to provide approximately 5,000 hours of volunteer service for the projects, which take place in Exelon's service territories of central Maryland, northern Illinois, southeastern Pennsylvania and Texas.
“Our employees bring great energy and creativity to Exelon's week-long national celebration of community service,” said Exelon President and CEO Chris Crane. “Their commitment to volunteerism and to improving the environment and quality of life in the communities we serve is a source of pride for us all.”
National Volunteer Week, which officially takes place April 15-21, is an annual, nationwide observance of individuals' and organizations' contributions to their communities. Exelon recognizes National Volunteer Week by empowering employee volunteers to design their own service projects and recruit others to participate. Exelon's projects focus on environmental issues, education, diversity and inclusion, and community enrichment.
In 2011, more than 2,400 Exelon employee volunteers gave almost 62,000 hours of their time to community nonprofit organizations. This is equivalent to 1,550 workweeks or nearly 30 years of fulltime service.