Watch suburban girls compete in ComEd's Icebox Derby on Saturday

ComEd will hold its annual Icebox Derby Saturday at Daley Plaza in Chicago.

The event is not just about fun but about encouraging young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math-related fields.

ComEd has deployed employees who are mentoring the girls, who range in age from 13 to 18, in assembling vehicles they'll eventually race at 3 p.m.

Each of the 30 girls in the derby will get a $1,000 scholarship from ComEd, and the winning team will receive an additional $1,500 scholarship.

The girls come from Aurora, Naperville, Glen Ellyn, Bensenville, Joliet and elsewhere in the Chicago area.

They are in the midst of four days of building and STEM challenges that include such things as knowledge of solar panels, gear ratios, electrical wiring and, of course, the science of racing.

The event is free, and the public is invited.

Daley Plaza is at 50 W. Washington St.