Maloney Announces Federal Investment

POUGHKEEPSIE – Representative Sean Patrick Maloney announced a federal investment through the Institute of Museum and Library Services’ (IMLS) “Museums for America” program of $137,280 to promote school readiness in children ages three to five. The Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum currently collaborates with the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center to provide children the opportunity to visit museums, gain education in the science, engineering, technology, and mathematics (STEM) fields, provide educators opportunities for professional development, and provide resources for parents.

“As a father, I understand the importance of ensuring our kids have a strong educational foundation before they even start their first day of kindergarten,” said Rep. Maloney. “This investment will make sure that kids in Poughkeepsie – regardless of economic status – can access essential educational opportunities they need to get ahead.”

“The grant helps us reach more than 300 Poughkeepsie children who wouldn’t normally get to come to the museum,” said Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum Education Director Peter Jacobsen. “ Not only do they get to visit but they get special field trips every month and memberships for their families. It helps us to make a big impact in their lives and makes the museum an important part of early education in the community.”Through this two-year project, young children from early childhood education centers located in Poughkeepsie will participate in programs at the museum, early educators will be trained at professional development sessions and parents will be engaged through family workshops. The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Museums for America is the Institute’s largest grant program for museums that work to enhance the capacity for museums to best serve their communities.

Since joining Congress, Rep. Maloney has secured nearly $4 million for early childhood education programs in the Hudson Valley. In 2014, Maloney announced an IMLS investment in the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum of $146,799 through the Museums for America Program. In February, Rep. Maloney announced that his office secured a $1.7 million grant for the Regional Economic Community Action Program (RECAP), an Orange County community based organization which supports Early Learning and Head Start programs. In April, he announced an investment of over $2.2 million for Orange County Head Start.