The Corning Museum of Glass is in line to receive $820,000 in federal funding to expand educational initiatives at the museum for local school children in Steuben County and across New York state.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer announced Wednesday that the funding was included in the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill.
“The Corning Museum of Glass is a crown jewel of the Southern Tier’s arts and tourism economy, welcoming thousands of visitors from across the globe every year,” Schumer said. “Every time I am in the museum, it is a delight. That is why I fought to secure this $820,000 in federal funding to help the museum expand its education programs to support educators, local school children in Steuben County, and those beyond the Southern Tier to experience the wonderful world of glassmaking and science and rich history of Corning.”
Karol Wight, executive director of the Corning Museum of Glass, said she is grateful for the ongoing support of CMoG programs. The grant will allow the museum to grow its STEAM education programs in the Corning area and beyond.
“His efforts to secure congressionally directed funding will enable us to expand our STEAM initiatives, both on and off campus, reaching historically underserved school districts across New York,” Wight said. “These programs, which align with New York State education standards, will include at least two deployments of our Mobile Hot Shop, bringing hands-on learning experiences directly to students."
This federal funding is part of the pending 2025 Senate appropriations bill recently approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Congress must pass a final, full-year FY25 appropriations bill to lock in the funding.
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Funding would expand CMoG's reach locally, across the state
The funding will help the Corning Museum of Glass expand its educational initiatives with a focus on school-based tours while expanding access to historically underserved school districts.
The museum’s current school tour options include curriculum-based activities related to art, history, and science. In 2023, CMoG's Education Department served 5,479 students on school tours, 143 schools, and 135 school districts. About 20% to 30% of schools are repeat visitors year to year, officials said. This funding will support a pilot program to provide transportation to ensure access for underserved students beyond the Southern Tier, including in the Capital Region and New York City.
The museum also integrates materials for elementary, middle, and high school students using the New York state curriculum, officials said. Using both formal and informal education methods, the museum designs workbooks and modules for teachers to continue lessons begun during demonstrations at the museum so students can understand science — encompassing chemistry, physics, earth sciences and glassmaking — through art.
This funding will also help the museum reach schools and students beyond the Southern Tier.
This article originally appeared on The Leader: Nearly $1 million in funding earmarked for Corning Museum of Glass education initiatives
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