A sweeping federal funding freeze has forced Ithaca’s Sciencenter to halt nearly $500,000 in planned science education programs, according to 14850 Magazine.
The cuts come after an April executive order suspended operations at the Institute of Museum and Library Services, leaving local initiatives in limbo.
The non-profit’s executive director, Michelle Kortenaar, told 14580 that two major grants were abruptly terminated—funds that were meant to provide science kits to rural libraries and revamp the museum’s outdoor science park.
While some supplemental cash may carry one program a few more weeks, larger efforts are being scaled back or shelved entirely. She warned that these grants are critical to daily operations and broader outreach.
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