Tynkertopia Inc

Our Mission

Tynkertopia is a welcoming community where young people use tools and technology to tynker and grow through independent exploration in STEAM*.

*Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math

Our Vision

To be a catalyst for creating curious, confident young minds.

Description

Tynkertopia is a nonprofit STEAM education center and maker space in Flagstaff, Arizona, providing hands-on learning experiences for youth and families across Northern Arizona. Through engaging afterschool programs, workshops, and camps, participants explore robotics, coding, engineering, art, and design in a creative, supportive environment. Our programs are designed to spark curiosity and build confidence while developing real-world skills that prepare young people for future opportunities in STEAM fields.

With a strong focus on youth programs and workforce development, Tynkertopia empowers learners of all backgrounds—especially those in underserved communities—to gain practical experience and problem-solving skills. By combining creativity with technology, our maker space helps students become independent thinkers, collaborators, and innovators. Whether building, coding, or designing, participants at Tynkertopia are gaining the tools they need to succeed in school, careers, and life.

TynkerSpace, our new advanced MakerSpace for teens and young adults, extends this work by focusing on workforce development and career readiness in STEAM fields. Located in Flagstaff and serving youth across Northern Arizona, TynkerSpace offers hands-on training in robotics, coding, engineering, digital fabrication, and design, along with mentorship and real-world project experience. Through afterschool programs, workshops, and industry-aligned learning opportunities, participants build technical skills, professional confidence, and pathways to future careers, helping bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

Testimonials

"Tynkertopia has an amazing environment for all ages to discover their creativity as well as many activities available that cover STEM topics." - Tim Pettry, Associate Vice President · Northern Arizona University

"Tynkertopia makes huge contributions to the community. Dr. Alice is a real silo-breaker, reaching out across so many sectors to connect the community, and she's a visionary. She's helped many lives through giving a nurturing place for all, including disadvantaged children, to hang out, learn and become our scientists and creators of the future. What an original place Tynkertopia is! Dr. Alice is everywhere and does it all. It's rare to meet someone of such initiative and integrity. " - Kate Rose, Wild World Irish Fiddle

"Dr. Christie's development of Tynkertopia stands as a brilliant and impactful gift to the community. She brings an energy, wisdom and enthusiasm which stimulates the children's learning and growth. Tynkertopia blossoms as a result of Dr. Christie's hard work." - Elizabeth Sawyer, Attorney-at-Law

"As an educator with many years experience, I recognize Tynkertopia as amazing opportunity for open ended learning! Children can choose from a variety of materials that engage and inspire! Tynkertopia develops children's love of learning and ability to see themselves as masters of their own learning! " - Rene RedDay, Family and Community Advocate

"Dr. Christie is a firework of brilliance, imagination, creativity, ingenuity, caring, selflessness and passion! A true inspiration, role model and hero. Pure good energy! She has created a paradise of joy and learning for children of all ages. What a gift to our community!" - Ursula Wallentin, Property Management Services

"Tykertopia ignites the spark of creative and expansive thoughts with infinite opportunities for young and " not so young" in Flagstaff. We are so fortunate that Dr Alice Christie focused her considerable expertise, perseverance and genius to create this mind and workshop space to our community. What an incredible, life enriching concept and facility for all of us! Thank you Dr Christie!" - Paula Mack, Realtor with Russ Lyon Sotheby’s Real Estate

"Amazing place for kids" - Daniel Davis, Art of Doors, LLC

"Tynkertopia is an amazing community resource for education, arts, stem, and so much more! A place of exploration, learning, and creativity! Do yourself a favor and check it out! " - Doug Arnett, Quality Connections

"Great local business that helps the community youth by reusing resources " - Heather Brown, Realtor

Awards

Dr Alice was selected as a recipient of the Viola Legacy Award in 2026. Tynkertopia was voted Best Place to Take Kids in 2022, 2024, and 2025. Tynkertopia received the 2022 Viola Award for Community Impact and the 2022 STEM City designation as the STEM Community Business Leader of the Year.