This will be the ComEd Icebox Derby’s sixth year running. Participants are tasked with building solar-powered and electric racecars from recycled refrigerators. This event is only open to women and it features youngsters from Chicago and surrounding areas such as Morton Grove who wish to develop their careers in science and technology. Brochure printing for the event shows that the culmination of the event is a chance for the participants to race their cars at Daley Plaza in August.
The Icebox Derby was created as a way to encourage young women to join STEM careers. According to an Illinois Science & Technology Coalition study, women account for 49% of the workforce, but only 26% of them are involved in STEM-related careers. Joe Dominguez, the CEO of ComEd, stated that:
“We’ve got to encourage and empower young women to continue their STEM studies and see opportunities available to them down the road. Through the Icebox Derby, these young women work alongside women at ComEd who are leaders and have built their own STEM careers and learn about the paths they are taking.”
Hopefuls who wish to participate have until this Friday, June 7 to apply. The applications are open to any girl between the ages of 13 and 18 who is a resident of Illinois. Every girl who completes the program will be awarded a $1,500 scholarship.