SOUTH FLORIDA SCIENCE CENTER AND AQUARIUM SATELLITE LAUNCHS IN JUPITER
In partnership with Bricks 4 Kidz, STEM Studio brings family-fun to Downtown Abacoa
(JUPITER, Fla.) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming has picked up some steam and expanded to Jupiter, according to leadership at the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, the local authority on informal science education. STEM Studio, an extension of the 55-year-old nonprofit venue in West Palm Beach, opened to the public on March 11 with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. In partnership with Bricks 4 Kidz, the 2,000-square-foot space serves as a social hub for educational enrichment in Downtown Abacoa.
“The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium has been serving South Florida locals and visitors for 55 years,” said Lew Crampton, Science Center CEO. “We are proud of our programming, which continues to evolve to the meet the needs of our community. STEM Studio is another step in our continued expansion plans. It will allow us to open even more minds to science. We look forward to bringing our well-known camps, planetarium shows, ‘Parents Night Out’ events, and so much more, to the residents of Northern Palm Beach County, Abacoa and beyond.”
In 2012, the Science Center expanded its current venue from 20,000 to 30,000 square-feet, an increase of 50 percent of space for exhibits, classrooms and more. The $5 million expansion and renovation was the start of multiphase improvements. Currently, the West Palm Beach facility is working on improvements to the outdoor Museum Campus, including a multi-purpose education center, “The Conservation Golf Course,” community gardens, 25 interactive exhibits, an expanded outdoor main stage and much more. Funding for the project is coming from a $250,000 challenge grant issued by the Batchelor Foundation of Miami.
“We are excited to partner with the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium and create a permanent home for our Bricks 4 Kidz, Maker Camp, and other STEM programs,” said Tracey Lamport, owner of the Metro West Palm Beach Bricks 4 Kidz. “The South Florida Science Center and Aquarium is an amazing forward-thinking resource for local families. Together, with community input, we are creating a place for kids and adults to learn, create, code, tinker and make. STEM Studio will be a hub of curiosity, creativity and fun.”
STEM Studio is a collaborative community space managed by the Science Center and Bricks 4 Kidz. Both organizations, along with select community partners, will offer regular programming geared toward kids and families. The Science Center will host planetarium shows, camps, open play days, scheduled classes, “Parents Night Out,” and much more. Guests will be able to check out the special programming at the March open house, with raffles and discounts on future classes from the Science Center highlighting the celebration.
“Jupiter, and specifically Downtown Abacoa, is a booming community for kids and families,” continued Crampton. “We are eager to reach this audience on a more regular basis and look forward to partnering with other Downtown Abacoa businesses on special events and packages at STEM Studio.”
STEM Studio is located at 1209 Main St. Unit #112. The space will be open based on scheduled activities. For more information about STEM Studio and its events, please visit www.stemstudiojupiter.com, call 561-818-STEM (7836) or email [email protected].