Concept
Mission
Scitopia Chicago is envisioned as a novel STEAM-themed learning hub and destination promoting teen self-realization and beneficial community opportunities.
Aims
Self-realization hub for Chicago teens
An attractive out-of-school-time hub for teen self- realization to enhance graduation and pursuit of 21st century STEAM career pathways
Link to science learning and opportunities
Center for programming, mentoring, school visitation and link to vocational and academic opportunity
Anchor for neighborhood revitalization
Centerpiece partner for Garfield Green Line South eTOD Action Plan
Free Southside destination
The first conservatory and vivarium attraction for southwest Chicago in over a century
About
Scitopia Chicago is envisioned as a ground-breaking, teen interactive learning center and Southside destination that places under one roof:
- STEAM library and ecafé
- Science and media makerlabs
- Community space & museum
- Prehistoric greenspace & vivarium
Advisory Committee
2017 Conference
A variety of experts and stakeholders, including community leaders, STEAM/makerspace educators, design experts and architects, participated in a full-day conference at the Neubauer Collegium, STEAM Engagement & Neighborhood Revival on Chicago’s South Side, to consider whether and how science education, more specifically STEAM, might play a role in supporting and strengthening neighborhoods.
Scitopia Chicago Board of Directors
Paul Sereno, Ph.D.
Professor, Dept. of Organismal Biology & Anatomy, University of Chicago
Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD
Fmr President of the University of Chicago Medicine & Dean of the Biological Sciences Division and the Pritzker School of Medicine
Cecilia Butler
President of Washington Park Residents Advocacy Council & President of Washington Park Advisory Council
Fabiola Delgado, C.P.A.
Chief of Staff of UChicago National Laboratories & Assist. Vice President for Finance
Rev. Jesse Knox, III, M.R.E.
Senior Minister, Church of the Good Shepherd UCC
Rich Crowley, M.B.A.
Compliance Lead, Argonne National Laboratory and President of the Chicago Herpetological Society
Eric Klinenberg, Ph.D.
Author & Professor at New York University
Jessica Schwartz, M.S.W.
Project Manager at University of Chicago Fossil Lab
Scitopia Chicago Advisors
Sophia Carey, M.B.A.
BuildWise
David Wilts
Founder & CEO of Digital Masterplanning
Nena Connelly
Project Manager at University of Chicago Fossil Lab