SPRINGFIELD…State Representative Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) is encouraging girls who will be in the 7th – 12th grade this year to apply to be one of the 30 participants in the “Icebox Derby” competition sponsored by Common Wealth Edison (ComEd). The competition will culminate with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as girls race their electric fridge cars at Daley Plaza in Chicago on Saturday, August 3, 2019.
“This kind of opportunity for young girls is exciting if you have a daughter or granddaughter who has shown an interest in technology, math, or science,” commented Rep. Darren Bailey. “They have an opportunity to explore career options and earn a $1,500 scholarship to help pay for their future education.”
ComEd is seeking 30 young women who have a passion for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) to take part in the 2019 Icebox Derby, a competition to transform recycled refrigerators into electric and solar-enhanced racecars. Every Derby participant will receive a $1,500 scholarship for completing the program. Participants will work alongside ComEd mentors to build a fridge car and learn about practical applications of STEM in daily life.
ComEd launched the annual Icebox Derby five years ago to educate and empower young women to explore careers in STEM and become the innovative workforce of the future. While women represent 48 percent of the U.S. workforce, they only have 24 percent of jobs in STEM related fields.
Upon participants submitting an entry, entrants’ parent/legal guardian will be sent an email to the address provided at the time of entry with instructions to confirm that he/she agrees to his/her child’s participation in the promotion and has read, understood and accepted the Official Rules.
The girls do not need to be “straight A students” to enter the competition. Participants are chosen based on their understanding and expression of STEM principles, appropriateness of response related to the promotion theme, creativity/originality and quality of their entry.
There is no cost associated with entering. Students can visit IceboxDerby.com to fill out an application form. All applications must be received by June 7, 2019.
