This fall, Nassir Turner will be the first of his siblings to attend college and he is already finding ways to help the next group of students behind him gain experience and access to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities.

A graduate from Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, Md., Nassir will be entering the University of Maryland College Park as a freshman majoring in computer science and programming.

Nassir is also an alumnus of the 2024 Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy, which brings together young men from across our Pepco service area to explore careers in critical STEM fields. Following his participation in the academy, Nassir was named the 2025 Exelon Foundation Chris Crane Memorial Scholar.

This summer, he returned to the academy to help mentor and support new participants.

“I really enjoyed my time in the program, networking and meeting executives and new people. I wanted to come back and pass my experience with the next generation,” said Nassir. “Winning the Chris Crane scholarship covers my tuition, housing and dining for the next four years, takes the burden off of my family and I’m truly blessed.”

The Exelon Foundation STEM Academy and Boys to STEM Academy continue to empower students from the District of Columbia, Maryland, and beyond. This week-long summer initiative is designed to close the opportunity gap for young women and men in STEM, offering immersive experiences that blend technical learning with real-world experience.

“Through the inaugural Exelon Foundation Boys to STEM Academy, Nassir ignited his passion for STEM and evolved from a curious learner into a confident innovator,” said Maya Huggin-Garcia, Sr. Manager Corporate Relations, Exelon, “Nassir is already paying it forward through his mentorship of the young men who participated in this year’s Boys to STEM Academy. Now, a rising freshman at the University of Maryland-College Park, he’s pursuing a degree in computer science and was selected as a 2025 Chris Crane Memorial Scholar.”

Beyond the summer academy, students can stay engaged year-round through the Exelon Foundation Mentorship Program, career chat webinars, STEM days, and professional development workshops. These programs offer opportunities to help students build lasting connections and develop the skills needed to thrive in STEM careers.