ComEd opens 2025 EV Rally applications for young women to explore STEM and electric vehicle design

Illinois teens aged 13 to 18 can apply to join ComEd’s summer EV program and receive a $2,000 STEM scholarship

ComEd has opened applications for its 2025 EV Rally, a STEM-focused program for young women across Illinois. Now in its 11th year, the summer initiative gives 45 participants the chance to work alongside ComEd mentors to build and race electric go-carts and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Program combines STEM learning with EV design and racing

The EV Rally includes hands-on workshops and mentoring from ComEd engineers and other staff. Participants will use their STEM knowledge to design and assemble electric go-carts, culminating in a final race at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago on July 26. Each student who completes the program will receive a $2,000 scholarship.

Gil Quiniones, president and chief executive officer at ComEd, says, “The ComEd EV Rally will stretch students’ imaginations and test their problem-solving skills, all while giving them the thrill of competition. Young people have a crucial role to play in the clean energy transition, and we are excited to connect EV Rally participants with talented ComEd professionals who can support them on their journey to a successful, rewarding and lucrative career in a STEM field.”

The program is open to female-identifying Illinois residents between the ages of 13 and 18. Applications are available at ComEd.com/STEM and must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 1. ComEd staff will select 45 participants for this year’s cohort.

Since its launch in 2014, more than 250 students have participated in the EV Rally and its predecessor program, the Icebox Derby.

Supporting local workforce readiness and gender equity in STEM

ComEd says the initiative is part of its broader strategy to support future workforce development and promote greater representation in technical fields. According to MIT data cited by ComEd, women account for more than half of U.S. college graduates but only 28 percent of STEM professionals.

With programs like the EV Rally, STEM Labs, Future of Energy Scholarships, and Construct Youth Academy, the utility says it aims to engage students early and provide exposure to careers tied to electrification and energy systems.