Exelon, the international energy firm, may have its corporate headquarters in Chicago, but it’s shown great interest in the intelligence of students in Bucks County. Its desire to encourage local future experts — particularly college-bound teenage girls — in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has led to two startlingly generous awards here.

The company provided full, four-year college scholarships — covering everything from tuition to room and board — to Aliyana Banner of Yardley and Emily Curran of Jamison.

Banner graduated this month from Pennsbury High School and intends to study mechanical engineering at Drexel University. Curran received her diploma from Central Bucks High School – East; this fall, she heads to Villanova University to pursue a degree in computer engineering.

They are two of only nine U.S. recipients of the 2022 honor.

The pair participated on Exelon’s STEM Leadership Academy at Drexel, one of only three U.S. sites for the program.

The academy seeks to:

• Engage and prepare students to consider STEM academic and career paths
• Builds STEM knowledge and skills
• Practice leadership, communication, and presentation skills
• Provide access to authentic experiences at STEM institutions
• Expand student network with others future STEM professionals

“We want to ensure these outstanding young women the opportunity and financial flexibility to study at the college of their choice,” said Paula Conrad, vice president of corporate relations for Exelon. “It’s not just a scholarship, but, hopefully, a path to future leadership at Exelon.”

Full details are in the associated release on the Exelon site.