The Columbus Museum (COMU) and United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley (UWCV) are excited to bring back the Museum PALS program for the 2025–2026 school year. After a one-year break, the program has returned to 12 Muscogee County schools, serving 32 Pre-K classrooms. This relaunch is made possible through UWCV’s Resilient Chattahoochee Valley grant.
What is Museum PALS?
Originally launched in 2019, Museum PALS (Pre-K Art & Literacy in Schools) helps Pre-K students experience art and literacy in their classrooms. The program grew quickly over its first five years, reaching every Pre-K student in Muscogee County. This year, it continues to provide hands-on, developmentally rich lessons that support early learning and kindergarten readiness.
How the Program Works
Each classroom receives a monthly hour-long session led by a COMU or UWCV educator. The session starts with an interactive discussion about a piece of artwork from the Museum’s collection. Then, students enjoy a storybook reading connected to the artwork’s theme. Finally, they participate in a hands-on art activity. These activities encourage creativity, problem-solving, fine motor skills, and early literacy.
In addition, teachers receive monthly materials, picture books, and art supplies. These resources allow students to continue exploring art and literacy in their classrooms throughout the month.
A Strong Partnership for Early Learning
“Art and literacy help children build curiosity, confidence, and connection,” said Ben Moser, President & CEO, UWCV. “Together with the Columbus Museum, we bring these tools directly to classrooms, helping children grow, explore, and dream big.”
“This partnership is the natural evolution of a shared commitment to increasing accessibility and exposure to students in our region,” says Imani Jones, Manager of The Basics and Resilient Chattahoochee Valley, United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “From my previous role at the Columbus Museum to my current work with United Way, the goal has always been to build resilient, impactful programs. This partnership with the Columbus Museum is a full-circle moment that personally and professionally embodies community collaboration. Funding the PALS initiative through this collaboration allows us to meet the immediate goals aligned through our youth opportunity strategy. This partnership ensures we can bring that transformative, literacy-rich creative exploration to more Pre-K learners, setting a stronger foundation for their future.”
Lucy Kacir, COMU Director of Education and Engagement, added, “We are thrilled to partner with United Way to bring back Museum PALS. The program has been popular with teachers and students. COMU is committed to providing early learning opportunities both onsite and in the community.”
The program builds on United Way’s early childhood efforts, including The Basics Chattahoochee Valley, which has supported over 3,000 families since 2019. The partnership ensures that children in Muscogee County have access to literacy-rich arts experiences that strengthen their learning foundations.
Learn More
To explore more about Museum PALS or The Columbus Museum’s educational programs, visit comuga.org. For information on United Way’s early childhood initiatives, learn more here.
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Contact: Imani Jones
ijones@unitedcv.org
762-246-7804
