​BALTIMORE (Aug. 15, 2017) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) initiated its BGE Scholars program today by awarding scholarships totaling $45,000 to nine undergraduate students from across the BGE service area. One scholarship each was awarded to students in Baltimore City, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery and Prince George's Counties.  BGE Scholars and their parents were recognized during a luncheon today at BGE's headquarters in downtown Baltimore.

BGE Scholars are students who have been accepted into an accredited undergraduate program or are currently enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program at an accredited institution of higher learning who have demonstrated academic achievement and active membership and involvement in community service and extracurricular activities. The BGE Scholars Award is one of three legacy gifts to the community to commemorate the company's 200^th anniversary, which was celebrated throughout 2016. 

"BGE is pleased to recognize these outstanding students for their academic excellence and commitment to community service," said Valencia McClure, vice president, governmental and external affairs and corporate relations for BGE. "These students are our future leaders and it is incumbent upon us to nurture their growth and development by providing opportunities for them to reach their fullest potential. The BGE Scholars program is one of many ways BGE demonstrates its investment in the people and the communities we serve."

BGE partnered with Central Scholarship, a Baltimore-area non-profit, to promote the BGE Scholars program and evaluate hundreds of students who applied for the merit-based award.  Among the eligibility requirements, applicants must satisfy the following: 

• Must be a BGE customer or dependent of a BGE customer who resides within the BGE service area
• Must have at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average
• Must be a graduating high school senior accepted by an accredited institution of higher education or a full-time undergraduate student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at an accredited institution of higher education including technical or vocational training institutions 
• Must complete an essay and interview

BGE employees and affiliates of Exelon, relatives of BGE employees or affiliates of Exelon, applicants enrolled in or applying for admission to graduate or professional schools or programs and anyone not determined to be a BGE customer or meeting qualifications for this award are not eligible.  The BGE Scholars application period will re-open in January 2018 for the 2018-2019 academic school year.