Concept

Home / 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