Recent budget cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities are poised to have a significant impact at Columbia Falls High School. The school’s basement library, under the guidance of librarian Alia Hanson, has been one of 13 locations across the state to host the Democracy Project. This initiative encourages teenagers to develop community projects that address local needs, with support from Humanities Montana.
In the 2022-23 academic year, students at Columbia Falls High School gained insights into the legislative process and organized a voter registration drive. The previous year, they tackled cyberbullying by orchestrating a Kindness Week to foster connections among students. Plans are underway for a similar event in May, which will also focus on mental health and suicide prevention resources.
The Democracy Project’s success has been bittersweet as Hanson faces the challenge of informing students about the potential shutdown of the program due to significant funding reductions to Humanities Montana’s budget. On April 2, the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled a grant that supported state humanities councils, citing fiscal priorities under President Donald Trump’s administration. The termination of this grant will likely affect the program’s administrative support, even though a private foundation supports much of its budget.
Alyssa Cordova, executive director of the Glacier Art Museum in Kalispell, expressed concerns over the impact on programs like Montana Conversations and Speakers in the Schools, which Humanities Montana facilitated. These programs provided stipends for artists, historians, and experts to conduct workshops and presentations throughout the state. The cancellation of these initiatives casts doubt on future events, such as the First Peoples Festival, which intended to preserve Indigenous culture and history.
The Northwest Montana History Museum has also relied on Humanities Montana for various programs. A grant from the organization currently funds a monthly historical book club and supported the inaugural Northwest Montana Book Festival. Executive Director Margaret Davis expressed apprehension about future events without the organization’s backing, emphasizing the crucial role Humanities Montana played as a support network for humanities programs in the rural state.
Hanson highlighted the professional development and collaboration opportunities provided by the Democracy Project as essential to her role in education. She noted that the closure of Humanities Montana programs would leave a significant void, impacting not only the students but the broader community.
The Societal Shift
The cuts to the National Endowment for the Humanities and their subsequent impact on local programs like the Democracy Project at Columbia Falls High School emphasize a broader societal shift. These reductions threaten to undermine community engagement and educational initiatives that foster civic awareness and cultural preservation. Without the support of humanities programs, students and communities may face diminished opportunities for learning and collaboration.
For students, the potential loss of the Democracy Project means fewer chances to engage with real-world issues, develop leadership skills, and foster a sense of community involvement. These programs are vital for nurturing informed and active citizens. Their absence could lead to a decline in civic participation and awareness among youth.
Communities relying on organizations like Humanities Montana may experience a cultural and informational void, as these programs often serve as a bridge connecting rural areas with resources and expertise. The cessation of such programs can lead to cultural stagnation and limit exposure to diverse ideas and histories, essential for fostering understanding and empathy in increasingly polarized times.