Gateway to Science opened in November 1994 in an empty storefront at the Gateway
Mall in Bismarck. At that time, Founding Scientist Frank Koch had a vision to create a
place where anyone could be comfortable with science. Much has changed since that
time, but Frank’s original vision remains our guiding principle.

We are proud to serve our entire state with unique informal STEM education
opportunities. Because we are North Dakota’s Gateway to Science, our STEM Educators
travel around the state offering engaging, hands-on STEM learning experiences for K-12
students and communities.

After 30 years, I continue to be honored to lead this organization. Our team has grown
into a robust group of STEM enthusiasts who are committed to fulfilling our mission and
making North Dakota’s Gateway to Science a joyful experience for everyone.

Beth Demke
Chief Executive Officer

Read or download the full 2024 Annual Report here.

2024 Year in Review

In 2024, we celebrated our 30th anniversary with approximately 1,500 people attending our birthday bash. It has been an incredible year of unforgettable moments. We’re so grateful for every milestone and opportunity, and we couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of our members, donors, partners, and team!

It’s been a year of learning, growing, and celebrating together—here’s to another amazing year ahead.

2024 Highlights

We had an impactful year and:

• Served groups from public, private, and home schools, scout troops, family reunions, assisted living centers, correctional facilities, and more.
• Provided educational outreach across the state through STEMzones and Workshops. Facilitated rental events like corporate events, graduations, and weddings to support the mission.
• Held summer camps, mini camps, and after-school clubs for thousands of students.
• Maintained focus on a commitment to Affordability & Accessibility by offering programs like Museums4All, Blue Star Museums, Agency Admissions, Scholarships, and reduced admission at events.
• Hosted new and fan-favorite events to encourage the community to participate in STEM activities such as STEM Spooktacular, International Observe the Moon Night, Gateway to Play, Preschool Discovery Hour, STEM Expo, and our end-of-year Noon Year’s Eve Celebration.

Visitor Locations

Our visitors in 2024 included 53% from Bismarck, 13% from Mandan, 16% from greater North Dakota, and 18% from other states and Canada. We occasionally welcome guests from beyond North America.

Admissions & Programs

In 2024, we had 91,940 visitors to the gallery, 5,113 for group visits, 15,373 for onsite events and programs, and 17,616 off-site program participants.

View the 2024 Annual Report for charts of visitors, programs, expenses, and income.

Looking Ahead to the Outdoor Explorium

Imagine an outdoor space that brings a world beyond the classroom to enhance STEM benefits through nature exploration in hands-on, informal, and genuine interactions.

In this new and exciting multi-use dimension at NDGTS, children and adults can work together with nature to discover lifelong lessons of caring for and conserving our earth. In the assorted gathering areas, there will be a myriad of opportunities for learning and entertainment for all ages.

In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks. — John Muir

This outdoor space will provide a living laboratory to engage with the natural world and experience the beauty and wonderment of the sky, the weather, the trees, the gardens, the birds and bees.

Nature inspires curiosity, awe, intriguing questions, close observation, problem- solving skills, and high levels of engagement. Nature can be a powerful teacher.

Teaching children about the natural world should be treated as one of the most important events in their lives. — Thomas Berr

Strategic Plan

2024 was our 30th year and gave us a chance to look back at our accomplishments, while also looking forward to what’s next. We have been honored to work with members of our community and our stakeholders to establish strategic goals that will guide the science center for the next three years.

Strategic Plan Goals

North Dakota’s Gateway to Science Strategic Plan goals include:

• NDGTS will transition its board from a working board to a governance-focused body that provides
  strategic oversight and long-term planning.
• NDGTS will invest in organizational stability and smooth leadership transitions.
• NDGTS will explore expanding its facilities and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• NDGTS will position itself as a statewide and regional leader in STEM education and world class center for workforce recruitment and economic development.

Find our Mission, Vision, and Values at the About page.

Download the 2024 Annual Report.