Girls flex STEM knowledge in 2017 ComEd Ice Box Derby

Did you know that only 24 percent of jobs in the science, technology, engineering and math fields are held by women? Well, ComEd is committed to changing that.

They created a challenge -- the 2017 ComEd Icebox Derby. Thirty girls, six teams, six recycled refrigerators equals a twist on the old soap box derby race. This time, it's about getting the girls interested and engaged in STEM. It's giving them hands on experience, to encourage them to go into these fields.

This year, girls were able to apply for a spot on the teams - and of over 200 entries, 30 girls were chosen from the Chicago area and northwest Indiana to participate.

The girls spend four sessions building the cars - then the race is on. And each year brings a new layer to the build - this year each car will be equipped with Telogis, a fleet-management software that provides real-time metrics geared to help the girls drive more safely and efficiently.

You can come down and cheer on the teams at the 4rd annual Ice Box Derby:

2017 ICE BOX DERBY
SAT., AUGUST 12, 2017

DALEY PLAZA
RACE SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 3 p.m.

Each team will complete six laps, and stop between laps to figure out a STEM challenge before going on to the next lap!

You can also follow the girls' progress and even help them earn scholarships by sharing their videos with the hashtag #HelpGirlsShine.

For more information, visit Ice Box Derby's website: http://www.theiceboxderby.com/