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What Is the Energizing Student Potential Program?

The Energizing Student Potential Program is “STEM project-based,” combining classroom activities with a school energy audit by students, a student-run energy fair and an energy-focused STEM challenge as well as numerous opportunities for energy speakers, career connections and expanded STEM resources for the classroom. Students learn about all energy sources, electricity generation, climate science and energy efficiency and share their knowledge with others.

ComEd, the Exelon Foundation, BP, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas and North Shore Gas, in partnership with the National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project, offer Energizing Student Potential (ESP), a STEM-focused energy program for grades 3 – 8. This program brings together standards-based curriculum (Next Generation Science Standards) for use by educators in the classroom, clubs or out of school time programs. The program is also perfect for youth advocacy organizations with afterschool or weekend programs for youth.

Energizing Student Potential is a collaborative educational initiative designed to empower students to explore opportunities in STEM fields and help them discover their own path to innovation through a variety of classroom subjects. ESP is designed to help educators bring energy into the school and to provide all the tools and resources necessary for students and educators to learn together, explore energy together, and teach their local communities about energy.

Teachers and students engage in science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities in the classroom while learning fundamental principles of energy use and conservation. Students learn best when engaged in inquiry learning — and the activities and explorations included in the program allow them to think, explore, share, and develop a profound respect for energy and the world around them. We know that teaching others helps us learn as well and the Kids Teaching Kids philosophy woven throughout The NEED Project curriculum helps keep students of all learning styles engaged and excited to learn. The lessons and projects in this program are designed to allow students to teach their peers as well as their local community.

We hope you will join us for this exciting opportunity!