Forty-five teenage girls from across northern Illinois are preparing to race their custom-built electric go-karts at ComEd’s 2025 EV Rally, scheduled for Saturday, July 26 at noon at The Fields Commons in Chicago. The event marks the third edition of the annual initiative aimed at increasing interest and equity in STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—through hands-on experience in clean energy technology and mentorship from female engineers at ComEd.
Since early July, participants between the ages of 13 and 18 have engaged in four dedicated build nights, working alongside ComEd’s women mentors to assemble high-tech electric vehicles. In addition to the mechanical work, students take part in STEM-focused challenges that explore real-world applications of energy innovation. Upon completing the program, each student will be awarded a $2,000 scholarship, funded by ComEd.
What is the ComEd EV Rally and how does it engage students?
The EV Rally program, formerly known as the Icebox Derby, serves as ComEd’s flagship initiative to foster interest in clean energy careers and STEM education among young women—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. The 2025 cohort includes students from across 14 communities, with more than half hailing from equity investment eligible communities (EIECs), a designation under Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act that identifies areas requiring targeted investment in education and job training.
The multi-week program provides an immersive introduction to electrical engineering, mechanics, sustainable mobility, and teamwork. With support from ComEd’s mentors—many of whom are senior women engineers and executives—the girls build and test their EVs, culminating in a race day experience that reinforces practical learning with community celebration.
Cheryl Maletich, ComEd’s Senior Vice President of Transmission and Substation, said the rally provides more than just a glimpse into technical careers; it offers a supportive ecosystem to encourage young women to envision themselves as future leaders in science and energy.
According to Maletich, “The ComEd EV Rally program is an incredible way for teens to get out of the classroom and experience STEM hands-on, supported by like-minded peers and talented mentors. Careers in STEM fields are open to all, and we are committed to ensuring the next generation of women have opportunities for successful, rewarding, and lucrative careers in STEM spaces.”
What happened during the EV go-kart build nights?
Over the course of four structured evening sessions, the participating girls broke into small teams to construct and fine-tune their electric go-karts using design kits and engineering plans provided by ComEd. Guided by professionals in the field, the students worked through challenges in circuitry, propulsion systems, aerodynamics, and driver safety. In parallel, they participated in STEM-based workshops and competitive team challenges focused on renewable energy, coding, and future power grid technologies.
Mentorship played a critical role throughout the program. ComEd’s female professionals offered individualized guidance, helping the students understand the science behind the technology while sharing personal stories about their own pathways into the energy sector.
Dr. Jessica Chavez, Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Vice President of Education and Chief Learning and Community Partnership Officer at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (MSI), emphasized the long-term impact of the event, stating: “Our partnership with ComEd and the EV Rally is an exciting way to showcase the passion of female students in our community, support the futures of historically underrepresented groups in the STE(A)M workforce, and inspire the inventive genius in everyone.”
How is the EV Rally connected to workforce development?
Beyond offering a thrilling race experience, the EV Rally functions as a pipeline program aligned with ComEd and parent company Exelon’s long-term workforce development strategy. Many previous participants of the Icebox Derby and EV Rally have gone on to pursue internships, scholarships, and full-time roles within the ComEd and Exelon family. The continuity of opportunities offered has helped create a talent pipeline that emphasizes gender equity, technical training, and sustainable innovation.
One such success story is Evan Abraham, who participated in the 2016 Icebox Derby and now works as an Engineering Design Tech at ComEd. Reflecting on her journey, Abraham said, “I began working at ComEd full time in 2023, and I am now lucky enough to volunteer in this year’s EV Rally. The program offered me a unique opportunity to expand my knowledge of STEM outside a classroom setting and gain hands-on experience in an all-girl environment. I was able to create and maintain connections with my mentors from across ComEd, and I’m proud to come full circle in this journey and give back to the talented young women participating in the program this year.”
Since the launch of the Icebox Derby in 2014, ComEd has awarded over $600,000 in scholarships through this program, with more than 300 young women participating to date.
What are the long-term goals of ComEd’s STEM engagement programs?
ComEd’s STEM engagement strategy extends beyond the EV Rally. Through a suite of additional programs—including STEM Labs, Construct Youth Academy, Tools of the Trade, and the Future of Energy Scholarship—the company is working to build a diverse and technically skilled workforce that can meet the demands of Illinois’ evolving energy infrastructure.
The 2025 EV Rally is particularly aligned with the state’s broader sustainability agenda. With Illinois committed to achieving zero-emissions power and greater workforce diversity under legislation like the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, events such as these play a dual role: nurturing the next generation of energy professionals while simultaneously expanding the representation of women and minorities in high-growth STEM sectors.
By focusing recruitment on students from EIECs and collaborating with community partners like Griffin MSI, ComEd is helping build an equitable clean energy economy from the ground up.
What happens on race day and how can the public engage?
The final race event on July 26 will showcase the completed electric go-karts in action, with the teams competing in timed laps and team relays on a custom-built track at The Fields Commons in Chicago. The event is open to the public and includes live demonstrations, educational booths, and engagement opportunities with ComEd mentors and program alumni.
Those interested in attending can find full race day details at ComEd.com/STEM, including directions, timing, and safety guidelines. The company encourages families, educators, and community members to attend and support the participants as they showcase their innovation, teamwork, and technical mastery.
ComEd also intends to document and share highlights from the event through its official social media channels to inspire future applicants and celebrate the achievements of this year’s cohort.
How ComEd’s EV Rally supports Illinois’ clean energy workforce goals
ComEd’s continued investment in female-led STEM programming reinforces a larger trend across the utility and clean tech industries, where inclusive workforce development is increasingly seen as a strategic imperative. Programs like the EV Rally not only help build community trust and visibility, but they also contribute to talent readiness at a time when utilities are racing to modernize their grid systems and integrate distributed energy technologies.
As electrification reshapes transportation and energy consumption across the U.S., early-stage engagement in EV systems and STEM fields is expected to remain a priority for utilities like ComEd. By cultivating homegrown talent from historically underrepresented communities, the company is positioning itself to lead in both innovation and inclusion.
In the years ahead, ComEd is likely to expand its partnerships with local institutions, state agencies, and peer utilities to scale initiatives like the EV Rally. Doing so would not only align with state energy transition goals but also help shape a more resilient, technically empowered, and equitable workforce for the energy sector.
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