University City Science Center launches $3 million fundraising campaign

To expand operations after the upcoming relocation to 3675 Market, the University City Science Center is launching a $3 million fundraising campaign called Ignite Innovation.

The initial backers already got the nonprofit a third of the way there: The University of Pennsylvania and developer Wexford Science and Technology kicked in $1.1 million to the campaign, which will help expand the programming it will offer in the new location.

Interim CEO Curtis Hess — named in January after former CEO Steve Tang stepped down to helm Bethlehem, Pa.-based OraSure — said the support from the two organizations will let the nonprofit “equip scientists, innovators, entrepreneurs, and students with the resources they need to spur innovation in Greater Philadelphia — and continue making a positive impact in the world.”

Funds raised will help the Science Center triple the size of its “entrepreneur’s clubhouse,” Quorum, and expand the programming it offers in its new location. FirstHand, the Science Center’s STEM program for middle and high school students, will also receive funding aimed at increasing the number of schools it covers.

Introducing Ignite Innovation, a two year, $3M campaign to grow & scale our programs. Thanks to support totaling $1.1M from @penn & @WexfordSciTech we're 1/3 of the way there! #IgniteInnovationPHL https://t.co/lHUo2J27Em … pic.twitter.com/1EDtF2eoMN

— Science Center (@UCScienceCenter) May 23, 2018

Craig Carnaroli, the executive VP of Penn and the Science Center’s board chair, said growing the programs offered by the nonprofit will help “retain talented students and researchers in Philadelphia, enabling startups to grow, scale and contribute to the vitality of our region.”