JJC Receives $25,000 Constellation E2 Energy to Educate Grant to Launch Summer STEM Camps

Joliet Junior College (JJC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $25,000 E2 Energy to Educate grant from Constellation, the nation's leading clean energy provider committed to advancing education and sustainability. This funding will support JJC's Empowering Future Energy Leaders initiative.

The E2 Energy to Educate grant program provides students from sixth grade through college opportunities to tackle today's energy challenges and inspire tomorrow's solutions. Through hands-on learning and mentorship, the program encourages young people to explore clean energy careers and contribute to a sustainable future.

JJC's initiative will deliver a series of summer STEM camps designed to empower students in grades 6-12 with energy literacy, experiential learning and career exploration. Camp topics will introduce students to renewable energy, clean technology and climate science through hands-on projects like building wind turbines, solar-powered devices and smart systems. Programs also include weather analysis, sustainability challenges and mentorship opportunities for girls in STEM to inspire future energy innovators.

"This grant will create transformative experiences for students, giving them hands-on opportunities to explore energy concepts, develop problem-solving skills and envision careers in clean energy," said Dave Lantz, director of JJC's center for continuing education. "Our goal is to inspire the next generation of innovators who will lead the way toward a sustainable future."

Constellation selected 24 projects from nine states after a rigorous review process. Each project reflects the company's commitment to innovation and education in energy, aligning with themes such as access in energy, sustainability amidst growing energy needs and nuclear technology and clean energy.

For more details about JJC's summer STEM camps, including program descriptions and schedules, visit the JJC Kids College website or contact JJC's center for continuing education office. Registration opens in January 2026 and early sign-up is encouraged as space is limited.