Austin Weekly News
A news site committed to in-depth reporting on issues concerning the Austin neighborhood located on the West Side of Chicago, Illinois.
Every year, the electric service company ComEd awards scholarships to Chicagoland college students who are studying STEM – science, technology, engineering and math – as a way to promote equitable opportunities in these fields.
“The ComEd Scholars program provides students with the resources and knowledge to excel in their educational and career journeys, while instilling confidence that they can make a meaningful impact in their chosen STEM field, as well as in their community,” said Gil C. Quiniones, president and CEO of ComEd, in a statement.
This year, Tegan Robins, who grew up in Austin, won a 2025 ComEd scholarship along with eight other Chicago State University students and several at other colleges.
“When I found out I received the scholarship, I was honestly overwhelmed with excitement, gratitude and relief,” said Robins, a third-year student pursuing an accounting degree at Chicago State University, to Austin Weekly News. “It felt like my hard work, my late nights, my sacrifices that I had made, were finally paying off.”
To apply for the annual ComEd Scholarship, students must have a grade point average above 2.8, major in physics and engineering, computer science, or finance and accounting, and get nominated by Chicago State University faculty. Applicants must also submit transcripts, a personal statement, and a financial aid application.
In Robins’ personal statement, the CSU Honors College student said she highlighted her resilience and dedication to her academics.
“I just wanted to just break the barriers and show people, just because of the things that you come from, you don’t have to make that an obstacle of your future,” said Robins.
Robins is a first-generation college student and wants other Chicago Statue University students, and students from Austin, to know that they can accomplish what she has.
“I do hope to serve as an inspiration to others from my neighborhood, proving that, no matter where you come from, success is within reach with hard work, perseverance and the right opportunities, such as this ComEd scholarship,” Robins said.
In addition to a scholarship that covers educational and financial aid, ComEd also offers awardees mentorships and internship opportunities with ComEd and its parent company, Exelon. Robins has two mentors and an internship at ComEd lined up for this summer.
“I want to use it to gain exposure to different aspects of the energy and the finance industry,” Robins said. “I’m seeking career advice, learning about potential career paths and gaining leadership skills.”
When it comes to those potential career paths, Robins wants to become a Certified Public Accountant, of which only 2% are African American nationwide, she said. But she’s also thinking about opening up her own real estate firm.
“Accounting and real estate go hand in hand,” Robins said. “I also want to contribute to economic development in underrepresented communities, such as my neighborhood. I want to use my financial expertise to help people build wealth.”
ComEd has awarded 90 scholarships to students from Chicago State University, DePaul University, DePaul College Prep, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and the University of Illinois Chicago. Sixty of those scholarships have gone to college students, and 30 to those participating in a high school program.
Last year was the first year that Chicago Statue University students won ComEd scholarships. Four CSU sophomores were awarded in 2024.
“This incredible support enables our students to learn and grow to their fullest potential, leading to a diverse and talented STEM workforce in our city and across the country,” said Zaldwaynaka “Z” Scott, president of Chicago State University, in a statement. “We are grateful for ComEd’s ongoing commitment to advancing technology, investing in the future, and promoting innovation for all.”
In her interview with Austin Weekly News, Robins’ gratitude toward Chicago State University and ComEd overflowed.
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be in this position,” she said. “It was a moment of validation that others saw potential in me and they were willing to invest in my future. This scholarship has given me even more motivation to push forward, excel at my studies, and make a meaningful impact in my career and in my community.”
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