The Pensacola MESS Hall recently learned its $25,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has been placed in limbo. This funding, awarded last fall to enhance sixth-grade science education in Escambia County, is now uncertain due to a recent executive order by President Trump. The MESS Hall is currently unable to receive reimbursement for recent expenditures related to this grant, and all further activity has been put on hold.
- What is IMLS? The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal agency dedicated to supporting museums and libraries in their mission to serve communities. Small museums like MESS Hall benefit from competitive awards, which account for approximately $55 million of the IMLS budget.
- “IMLS funding extends the reach of the MESS Hall, enhancing science learning in our community,” said Megan Pratt, Executive Director of the Pensacola MESS Hall
The Sixth Sense Program
The MESS Hall’s most recent IMLS funding supported “Sixth Sense,” a program developed in partnership with the Escambia County School District. This initiative specifically targeted sixth-grade teachers who were newly serving students in elementary schools, including West Pensacola Elementary and Cordova Park Elementary. The program’s approach involved MESS Hall staff collaborating with teachers to develop engaging activities based on teacher feedback, followed by direct student engagement.
Previous IMLS Support This isn’t the first time the MESS Hall has received IMLS funding. Their “Science Sprouts” program, which concluded last school year, engaged approximately 60 kindergarten teachers and over 1,000 kindergarteners in hands-on activities. The program featured four classroom visits with storytelling, and small-group activities focused on core math and science concepts. Participating schools also received materials to continue the program independently.
- Additionally, IMLS supported the Museum Assessment Program, which helped strengthen the MESS Hall’s operations and management and enhanced its capacity to serve the local community.
Why this matters?
Improving science and math education in the region remains critical, as only about 50% of Escambia County fifth graders pass state math and science assessments. The IMLS funding received by the MESS Hall has not only directly benefitted students but also supported teachers in enhancing science and math experiences in the classroom.