Full STEAM Ahead: Powered by Our Generous Partners!

This fall, Full STEAM Ahead reached into the soul of learning and illuminated it with the laughter of families, the wonder of children, and the generosity of a community that believes in joyful education. Located at the Grand Forks Curling Club, our mobile museum became a place where curiosity wasn’t just encouraged, it was celebrated. Children explored circuitry and robotics with wide-eyed wonder. Families laughed together over drone launches and storytelling. Educators saw new sparks in familiar faces.

Full STEAM Ahead reached far…into imaginations, into relationships, and into the heart of what learning can be: joyful, hands-on, artistic and deeply human. This became a launchpad where curiosity bloomed, confidence grew, and joy settled in, memorably and with purpose.

Over the course of Full STEAM Ahead, thousands of children, families, and educators stepped through its doors. The impact rippled outward, into classrooms, dinner table conversations, and the hearts of a community ready to dream big.

From astronomy and storytelling to drones, agriculture, robotics, and collaborative design challenges, Full STEAM Ahead sparked joy and built confidence across generations. Children asked bold questions. Families explored together. Educators saw new possibilities. And throughout it all, one truth was clear: our region is ready for a permanent space where curiosity leads the way.

This year’s Full STEAM Ahead was made possible by a community of donors and partners who believe in the power of joyful learning. Whether they gave time, talent, or treasure, their support helped launch imaginations and build momentum for the future of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. Together, they turned a vision into a movement…one where every child feels empowered to explore, create, and grow.

Thank you to our generous donors:

Myra Foundation, Oneok, Grand Forks Park District, Xcel Energy, Acme Tools, ND Council on the Arts, All Pets Hospital, Isight Drone Services, Tractor Supply Co, …and so many others who stepped up with heart and purpose.

Thank you to our educational and artistic partners… your creativity and expertise brought STEAM to life in unforgettable ways. NDSU Extension, Digitalis Educational Solutions, Northland Community and Technical College, Adam and Hanna Kemp, North Star Quilters, MKK Murals…and so many more who donated their time, artistry and talents.

Together, your support helped launch drones, code robots, build circuits, create art, tell stories, and explore the journey from seed to table. Your support made space for children to explore boldly, ask big questions, and discover new possibilities, all while feeling welcomed, celebrated, and inspired.

As we look ahead to building a permanent home for the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, Full STEAM Ahead continues to prove what’s possible when community leads with generosity and joy.

The generosity of our many sponsors didn’t just support a week of programming, it planted something deeper: a sense of belonging, a spark of possibility, and a shared belief that our region’s children deserve bold, joyful learning experiences. That kind of impact doesn’t fade, it grows.

From all of us at the Grand Forks Children’s Museum: thank you for fueling the future. Thank you for going Full STEAM Ahead.

With heartfelt gratitude,

Katie Mayer, Executive Director, Grand Forks Children’s Museum