BISMARCK — North Dakota State University and North Dakota’s Gateway to Science on Monday, Jan. 12, 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. Gov. Michelle Strinden, State Rep. 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,” Strinden said in a release. “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 will deliver high-quality, hands-on STEM experiences to schools statewide, with a focus on rural and underserved communities.

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

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.