The nonprofit organization has acquired a vacant building in Minot to operate its science, technology, engineering, arts and math programs for youth.

The Minot Area Community Foundation recently awarded a $50,000 grant to Full STEAM Ahead to support the purchase of its new permanent home in the former Lighthouse church at 1400 5th St. SW. The grant comes from the foundation’s Community Impact Fund, which supports transformative projects in the Minot area.

Ali Auch, executive director of Full STEAM Ahead, said the organization is humbled by the contribution from the foundation, which she said reaffirms its commitment to local youth. She said the support will help empower young minds with tools for creativity, growth and innovation.

Full STEAM Ahead began in 2015 as Make a Scene Kids Theatre and expanded to include STEM education in 2017. Its STEM programming includes LEGO robotics, drones and computer coding, Auch told the Minot Planning Commission Oct. 7 in speaking on behalf of the organization’s request for a conditional use permit for the property.

Submitted Photo A 3D printer is set up at the Full STEAM Ahead space in Minot as participants meet in the background.

She said Full STEAM Ahead has rented space over the years and has been looking for a larger facility, with a desire to own a property as rental costs have been increasing. The purchased building will double the existing space for programming.

“When this space became available, we were super excited because it’s the perfect size for our organization. It’s a perfect layout,” Auch said. “We have been able to be in the space now for a small bit, just getting it ready for hopeful use. The neighbors are amazing. The community is amazing in that area. We’ve just had really good interaction, and a lot of people are excited.”

Full STEAM Ahead’s permit application indicated use will be primarily on weekends and evenings, with an average of seven to 20 youth taking part in activities at any given time.

In addition to the foundation’s $50,000 grant, Full STEAM Ahead has had a private donor issue a matching challenge in the spirit of the foundation’s Match Madness campaign honoring its 25th anniversary. The challenge will match contributions up to $10,000 to Full STEAM Ahead’s Gearing Up for the Future campaign. The foundation said the match has the potential to double the impact of community participation in the project.

“We’re thrilled to help Full STEAM Ahead take this big step forward,” said Jason Zimmerman, president of the foundation, in a news release. He said the organization’s work in inspiring the next generation of thinkers, makers and innovators reflects the kind of community progress donors aim to support.