CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced on Wednesday, September 11th that he is working to secure $820,000 in federal funding for the Corning Museum Glass in the 2025 federal budget. While not a sure thing, a spokesman for Schumer said the fact it has officially been included in the budget is a good sign, and that Schumer is prepared to fight to make sure the funding is included. 

“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. Every time I am in the museum, it is a delight. That is why I fought to secure this $820,000 in federal funding," said Schumer in a prepared statement. 

If passed, the money would expand the museums s K-12 STEAM education initiatives and allow educational outreach programs to go to schools beyond the Southern Tier. Specifically, the funding would allow for more school tours and expand access to historically underserved school districts. 

The funding will allow "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," Schumer said.

According to the Schumer's Office,  In 2023 alone the museum’s Education Department served 5,479 students on school tours, 143 schools, and 135 school districts. If the funding is secured, it would create a pilot program to provide transportation for underserved students in areas like the Capital Region and New York City. 

"We are deeply grateful for the Senator's ongoing support of our programs. 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. 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,"  said Karol Wight, president and executive director of the Corning Museum of Glass.