Recently, 10 BGE employees helped I-Fund students polish their public speaking skills, and offered guidance on issues such as building a career and negotiating compensation.  BGE’s Doris J. Duren, senior community relations specialist, and Diana Herr, senior human resources consultant, led the event with support from BGE volunteers Alicia B. Ringgold, Carol A. Wellham, Jeanette Cunningham, Marilyn Gibson, Dwayne Howard, Darlene Green-Connor, Joseph L. Edmonds and Da'Janel Roberts.

 

"To see the growth in the students from earlier this year until now is phenomenal,” said Duren. “Several students expressed their gratitude to BGE for its ongoing support of the program.”

This year, a class of 20 students came together for three workshops and retreat-style events to receive coaching, make personal and professional contacts, and participate in other learning experiences to help them prepare for the future.

“The students have a lot of fun while they learn,” remarked Duren.  “It’s gratifying to see their excited faces and observe the volunteers' sharing of their tremendous knowledge and experience. That clearly contributes to the growth and development of these high potential students.”

 

The I-Fund program seeks to develop and retain talent in Baltimore City.  Since 1995, Constellation Energy has awarded 35 scholarships through the I-Fund Urban Scholars program, which provides support for low- and middle-income and minority students from Baltimore to attend Maryland colleges.  Constellation Energy’s support of the Independent College Fund of Maryland—from financial support to service on the agency’s board of directors and volunteer involvement—began more than 30 years ago.