IMLS Continues Support for HBCUs with $1.7 Million Grant Funding

IMLS Grants to Historically Black Colleges and Universities

In a significant move to bolster education and cultural preservation, the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the allocation of $1.7 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of its Fiscal Year 2025 discretionary grants. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to preserve America’s historical narratives while empowering the next generation of scholars and professionals in the museum and library sectors.

Purpose of the Funding

The financial support aims to enhance institutional resilience, improve emergency preparedness, and advance research initiatives within these esteemed institutions. As noted by Keith Sonderling, Deputy Secretary of Labor, these funds are instrumental in Upgrading HBCUs' capabilities to manage their collections and promote hands-on learning experiences for students engaged in library and museum professions. The IMLS grants benefit not only the institutions but also the wider communities connected to these educational bodies.

Highlighted Projects

Among the recipients, several notable projects showcase the depth of contributions facilitated by the funding, including:

1. HBCU Library Alliance (HBCULA)

In collaboration with the American Institute of Physics (AIP), this initiative addresses the under-documentation of HBCU contributions to the physical sciences. A summer workshop for ten librarians from HBCUs is planned to enhance their professional development in oral history and digital preservation.

2. Jackson State University's Margaret Walker Center (MWC)

The MWC will relocate its archives to a secure environment while constructing a robust connection with the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, digitizing 1,000 oral histories that are pivotal for preserving cultural heritage.

3. Bishop State Community College

This college will undertake a meticulous inventory and cataloging of three collections comprising 19th and 20th-century African American materials, fostering research, public programs, and community engagement.

4. Alabama State University

Responding to disaster risks, the ASU Archives Department will develop a disaster preparedness plan, aiming to protect their collections and ensure operational continuity during emergencies.

5. Southern University at Shreveport

The Southern University Museum of Art (SUMAS) plans to enhance the care of its collection through improved environmental controls, thereby sustaining its historical significance and ensuring successful management of its artistic treasures.

Commitment to Historical Preservation

The IMLS, as the principal federal agency supporting libraries and museums in the United States, envisions a future where communities can freely access spaces filled with rich educational and cultural resources. This commitment fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of America's diverse cultural heritage.

With the FY 2026 funding opportunities already underway, the IMLS continues to reiterate its dedication to supporting institutions that serve pivotal roles in the educational landscape of the United States. The current funding not only preserves history but nurtures the workforce that will carry forward these invaluable cultural narratives for generations to come. To learn more about the IMLS initiatives, visit their official website.