By Salem Chicago News Staff
MATTESON, Ill. — Rich Township High School District 227’s STEM Campus received an Honorable Mention in the Illinois Association of School Boards’ 2026 Exhibition of Educational Environments, the district announced Saturday.
The award places the south suburban campus among nine projects recognized statewide out of 22 submissions, spotlighting the district’s investment in modernized learning facilities for its students.
The STEM Campus additions and renovations, designed by Chicago-based architecture firm STR Partners, included a new engineering, robotics and manufacturing lab wing, a cafeteria, renovated science classrooms and spaces designed to expand hands-on learning and collaboration.
“This recognition reflects Rich Township’s continued investment in safe, innovative and student-centered learning environments,” the district said in a statement. “We thank STR Partners and everyone who helped bring the district’s vision for the STEM Campus to life.”
A jury of architects and school administrators met Sept. 10 to evaluate the entries. Projects were judged on design, safety, energy-use reduction, challenges addressed and how well each facility meets students’ educational needs.
Award Winners
Two projects earned the top Award of Distinction: Bailey Edwards Design for its work with Chicago Public Schools at the Barbara Vick Western Branch, and Hurst-Rosche Inc. for additions to Hillsboro High School in Hillsboro CUSD 3.
Three other projects received Awards of Merit, and the Rich Township STEM Campus was one of four Honorable Mention recipients. The others included Kimball Middle School in School District U-46, The QUAD in Rockford School District 205 and Ravinia Elementary School in North Shore School District 112.
To be eligible for the competition, construction had to be completed in time for occupancy at the start of the 2026-27 school year.
The Rich Township STEM Campus is located at 3600 203rd St. in Olympia Fields. The district also operates the Fine Arts and Communications Campus in Richton Park and the Michelle D. Lonie Transition Center in Olympia Fields.
All award-winning projects will be displayed at the Joint Annual Conference, scheduled for Nov. 20-22 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. Entries will also be added to the IASB’s School Design Data File, a collection featuring nearly 700 projects spanning more than three decades.
