NDSU and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch a partnership that will expand STEM programming for K–12 students across North Dakota. The ceremonial signing took place at North Dakota’s Gateway to Science in Bismarck.

Speakers at the event included Lt. Governor Michelle Strinden, State Representative Todd Porter, Beth Demke, CEO of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, and Alan Kallmeyer, Dean of the NDSU College of Engineering.

“I’m honored to be here today celebrating a partnership that is truly about our kids and their futures,” said Lt. Governor Strinden. “When we invest in K-12 education, we’re investing early, when curiosity is highest and possibilities feel endless. This partnership ensures that ZIP code does not determine opportunity, that every child deserves access to engaging, high-quality learning experiences.”

The agreement leverages NDGTS’s Gateway to Science on the Go mobile outreach program and NDSU’s academic resources to deliver high-quality, hands-on STEM experiences to schools statewide, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. Together, the organizations will co-develop STEM activity kits aligned with NDSU’s engineering and agricultural technology curricula, host collaborative outreach events, and provide educational initiatives designed to spark curiosity and inspire future innovators.

“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to making STEM education accessible to every student in North Dakota,” said Beth Demke, CEO of North Dakota’s Gateway to Science. “By combining our mobile outreach capabilities with NDSU’s academic strengths, we can bring engaging, hands-on learning to classrooms across the state.”

NDSU College of Engineering Dean Alan Kallmeyer shared his excitement for the partnership, saying, “NDSU is proud to collaborate with North Dakota’s Gateway to Science to connect classroom learning with real-world applications. These experiences will help students see the possibilities in engineering and technology and encourage them to pursue education and careers that strengthen our state’s workforce.”

Co-branded materials and content will highlight engineering and precision agriculture, which are fields where North Dakota is a national leader in integrating technology into agricultural practices. New STEMzone kits will offer specialized experiences in engineering and precision ag, with activities designed for middle and high school students and focused on careers in these growing fields.