ComEd Puts CSU Students in Program

Two Beverly residents studying at Chicago State University (CSU) are among this year’s beneficiaries of the ComEd Scholars program, helping local students pursue careers in STEM-related fields.

Laszlo Toth, a physics student with a concentration in engineering, and Jordan Harris, a third-year finance major, are now on track to advance their career paths through newfound financial and professional support.

Toth, who currently lives in East Beverly, took a less traditional route to CSU. The 24-year-old previously earned a degree in history before returning to school, a decision that largely left him covering the cost of his education on his own.

“Luckily, I initially had some help from my family,” Toth said, “but I didn’t want to continue to ask.

“The scholarship definitely helped with that because I’m working when I’m not in school, so with the money from ComEd, I’ve been able to focus more on Chicago State.”

Now in his final year, Toth plans to pursue graduate school and a career as a mechanical engineer focused on sustainable solutions.

“Chicago is a post-industrial city, so we have a lot of former factories here, and we still do have some operating factories; a lot of that has caused some negative impacts on the environment, although it has had good impacts on our economy,” Toth said. “It’s important going forward that we have people with expertise who are working on remediation of the negative environmental impacts that have occurred.”

Beyond financial assistance, the ComEd Scholars program offers mentorship, a book stipend and professional connections. Students have participated in weekly meetings and one-on-one sessions with industry mentors. Toth was matched with a mechanical engineer who has guided him on career paths and resume-building.

“I got really good information about what the field is like, what her path was through school and how I could tailor my resume for potential jobs,” Toth said, “so that was extremely valuable.”

For Harris, choosing a career in finance began with a personal goal.

“When I was growing up, my family wasn’t the most financially literate, so I grew up wanting to actually be able to understand the ropes,” Harris said. “It was for myself, but also for other minority groups that probably didn’t have that step up. I just wanted to be proficient and be able to understand it for myself and explain it to others.”

Harris, who began high school at Leo Catholic High School and later graduated from Kenwood Academy, was drawn to CSU for its smaller size and personalized attention given to its students.

“I knew for a fact that I wanted to go to a smaller school just so I wouldn’t be overlooked by all of the other students around who need help,” Harris said. “I haven’t really had that problem being at Chicago State, and I’m happy.”

With just one year until graduation, Harris’ goals are clearer than ever. Last summer, he completed an internship at the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority with the help of the CSU’s career center.

“It opened my eyes to wanting to be a financial fiduciary,” Harris said.

Launched in 2019, the ComEd Scholars program began in partnership with the University of Chicago, Illinois Institute of Technology and DePaul University, according to Jessica Rojas, senior corporate relations specialist at ComEd.

In 2023, the program expanded to CSU. Rojas said that eligible students must maintain a 2.8 GPA, demonstrate financial need and studying for a degree in a STEM-related field.

“It’s not just a handout scholarship,” Harris said. “The program expects you to grow.”