Hamden, CT — April 24, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut is pleased to announce it has been awarded a $6,500 grant from the M&T Charitable Foundation to support its Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools program in Waterbury, Connecticut.
This funding will support the continued implementation of HOT Schools at Reed and Kingsbury Schools in Waterbury, helping provide arts-integrated learning experiences for more than 890 students and 80 educators during the 2025–26 school year.
“We are grateful to the M&T Charitable Foundation for their support of this work,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “This investment helps ensure that students in Waterbury have access to meaningful arts learning experiences that support both academic and personal growth.”
M&T’s support will help underwrite Teaching Artist fees for multi-day residencies, classroom workshops, and school-wide performances, as well as professional development opportunities for teachers and Teaching Artists focused on literacy, student engagement, Social and Emotional Learning, and culturally responsive practice.
The HOT Schools initiative in Waterbury is designed to help close opportunity gaps for students in one of Connecticut’s highest-need districts while strengthening long-term instructional practice for educators. AFLCT’s evaluation efforts will measure student engagement, creativity, collaboration, confidence, school culture, and educator growth through surveys, observations, and program participation data.
“We believe every young person deserves access to creative learning opportunities that help them thrive academically, socially, and emotionally,” Parker added. “Support from partners like M&T allows us to continue building vibrant, inclusive school communities through the arts.”
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.