Hamden, CT — March 18, 2026 — Arts for Learning CT is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Near & Far Aid to support the expansion of its Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools program in Fairfield County.
This funding will support arts-integrated learning experiences in Stamford and Norwalk, reaching more than 1,200 students and 130 educators through in-school workshops, residencies, performances, and professional development. The HOT Schools program is AFLCT’s flagship initiative, designed as a comprehensive, whole-school model that integrates the arts into core academic learning.
Through this initiative, AFLCT partners with schools to strengthen student engagement, enrich school culture, and expand teacher practice. Programming includes more than 750 hours of arts learning experiences delivered across the academic year, with a strong focus on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL), creativity, and critical thinking.
“Near & Far Aid’s investment allows us to deepen our work in Fairfield County and bring sustained, high-impact arts learning to students and educators,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “The HOT Schools model ensures that the arts are not an add-on, but a core strategy for helping students think critically, connect with one another, and succeed in school.”
The program will focus on three partner schools, Roxbury Elementary School in Stamford, Concord Magnet School, and Wolfpit Integrated Arts Elementary School in Norwalk, communities where arts-integrated learning plays a vital role in supporting student success and engagement.
Near & Far Aid supports programs that address critical needs and create lasting change for underserved communities. Their investment in HOT Schools reflects a shared commitment to ensuring that all students have access to creative, engaging, and equitable learning opportunities.
About Higher Order Thinking Schools:
The Higher Order Thinking Schools program is a comprehensive initiative integrating arts learning into the core curriculum to improve school and student outcomes. Its goals are to improve student engagement, enrich school culture, and expand teacher practice. It is built on the belief that arts learning promotes higher-order thinking and develops skills such as problem-solving, creativity, and collaboration. HOT Schools partner schools are characterized by their focus on Social and Emotional Learning, Culturally Responsive Teaching practice, and school culture, fostering an environment where every student is encouraged to engage actively in their learning. The program has been recognized nationally for its innovative approach to education and its success in enhancing student achievement.