More than 250 students in 50 teams will compete at the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Science Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the utility’s downtown headquarters, 111 N. Hope St.

The event is open to the public. The winning team will travel to Washington, D.C., from April 26-30 to represent Los Angeles at the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science National Science Bowl, where students will compete in a field of 64 teams from 40 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

LADWP regional championship teams have among the best records at the National Science Bowl compared to other regions, having won four national titles and placing among the top five teams 11 times. The trip to Washington, D.C., is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science.

The Science Bowl demonstrates LADWP’s commitment to the city’s youth and education. The competition tests students’ reflexes, teamwork skills and knowledge of science, math, technology and current events in a fun and competitive atmosphere that follows a television game show format.

“Science Bowl encourages students from all parts of the city to pursue studies and careers in technical fields like those we need to hire,” LADWP General Manager David H. Wright said. “We hope some Science Bowl participants will pursue employment with LADWP and the city of Los Angeles as they enter the workforce because hiring employees with strong technical skills is essential to our success.”

Each year a different theme is chosen for the LADWP Science Bowl highlighting technological innovations or individuals. This year’s theme commemorates the silver anniversary of the regional competition and 25 Years of LADWP Innovation from 1993 to 2018.

At the Los Angeles competition, students will vie for $25,000 in science awards including college scholarships and prizes for their schools. First place team members each receive the $1,000 Hitachi scholarship as well as $2,000 for their school. Some teams will compete in the Water and Power Community Credit Union Hands-On Competition.

For information, visit ladwp.com.