Inaugural IIE Global Scholars Explore the Energy Sector in the U.S. and the Netherlands
Through a multi-year commitment from the Exelon Foundation, IIE partnered with Northern Illinois University (NIU) to launch the inaugural IIE Global Scholars Program Powered by the Exelon Foundation, preparing the next generation of leaders for the rapidly evolving energy sector.
As electricity demand grows alongside data centers, advanced manufacturing, and electric vehicles, the need for skilled talent continues to rise. Through programs that combine academic learning, international experience, and industry engagement, IIE is helping students develop the global competencies needed to succeed in one of the world’s most critical industries.
The first cohort brought together 17 undergraduate students from colleges and universities across the United States. All participants were also summer interns at Exelon or one of its operating companies. NIU designed and led a five-week program, enabling students to earn three credits transferable to their home institutions. The program consisted of a virtual course combining asynchronous readings and assignments with weekly discussions, followed by a study tour in Chicago and the Netherlands engaging with leaders across industry, government, academia, and civil society.
Connecting Energy Systems to Global Challenges
The program was designed to help students understand how energy systems are shaped by technology, policy, infrastructure, and community needs. In Chicago, scholars engaged with energy professionals, researchers, and policymakers to examine grid modernization, decarbonization, workforce development, and community resilience.
Highlights included a panel discussion with local industry experts at Exelon headquarters moderated by NIU Professor Dr. Thomas Skuzinski, visits to the ComEd Bronzeville Community Microgrid and Argonne National Laboratory, and conversations with leaders from Exelon and IIE, including Calvin Butler and Jason Czyz (read Jason’s experience engaging with the IIE Global Scholars).
The experience continued in the Netherlands, where students explored how another country is addressing energy transition through innovation, governance, and community engagement. In Delft, faculty from TU Delft and experts from Deltares introduced students to emerging approaches in geothermal energy, climate adaptation, and water resilience. In The Hague, meetings with the Ministry of Climate Policy and Green Growth and municipal leaders highlighted the role of policy in advancing sustainability goals. Visits to Groene Mient, a sustainable housing community, and the Port of Rotterdam demonstrated how local communities and major industries are contributing to the energy transition. Cultural experiences in Leiden and Amsterdam added important context to students’ understanding of Dutch society and its approach to sustainability.
By engaging with experts across sectors and countries, students developed a deeper understanding of both the technical and human dimensions of the energy transition.
As the program unfolded, the students provided updates on LinkedIn. For their firsthand reflections, follow #ExelonScholars and #IIEGlobalScholars.
Applying Knowledge to Action
The program culminated in team capstone presentations that challenged scholars to analyze energy systems and apply insights gained throughout the experience.
Post-program surveys demonstrated the impact of the program. Students reported growth in adaptability, global awareness, intercultural understanding, and their ability to connect international experiences with future career goals. Learning about another culture, experiencing life outside the United States, and strengthening professional skills ranked among the most significant outcomes.
Participants reported growth in the following areas:
- Understanding of their field of study (major-related knowledge)
- Understanding connections between study abroad experiences and future career opportunities
- Ability to adapt to new environments
- Understanding of other cultures
- Awareness of global issues
- Ability to accept and appreciate differences in others
- Interest in global and transnational issues
- Engagement with global and civic issues
They also described increased confidence, broader career awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the role global collaboration plays in addressing energy challenges.
“I got to learn how to navigate a foreign country, and that made me feel more confident. It was cool to meet new people, speak with various professionals, and learn about how much more I can do than I previously thought.”
Another scholar reflected on the value of applying lessons across borders:
“I was able to learn more about what the Netherlands practices and how I can adopt their sustainability strategies back in the United States.”
These outcomes align with what employers consistently tell IIE they value: graduates who can communicate across cultures, navigate complexity, think critically, and collaborate across borders. Through the IIE Global Scholars Program, students gained not only knowledge of the energy sector but also the skills needed to lead within it.
Looking Ahead
The success of the IIE Global Scholars Program Powered by the Exelon Foundation demonstrates the power of partnership in preparing a globally minded workforce. IIE is grateful to Northern Illinois University, the many organizations that hosted site visits and discussions, and the industry, academic, and government leaders who shared their expertise with the inaugural cohort. The NIU team includes a collaborative effort among Lauren Mock, Study Abroad Director, and a team within the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, & Energy: Melissa Burlingame Greenhagen, Assistant Director; Dr. Kevin Martin, Associate Professor of Engineering Technology; and Dr. Thomas Skuzinski, Associate Professor of Public Administration.
Special recognition is due to Paula Conrad and the Exelon Foundation for their partnership and commitment to expanding opportunities for students, as well as Calvin Butler for his leadership on the IIE Board of Trustees and advocacy for international education and workforce development.
Looking ahead, IIE is committed to expanding opportunities for future cohorts and strengthening pathways between global learning and career success. By investing in programs that connect students with international experiences and industry networks, partners can help prepare the next generation of energy leaders while advancing a more sustainable and prosperous future.
For inquiries about the IIE Global Scholars Program, contact IIE’s Center for International Opportunities: CIO@iie.org.