Hamden, CT — June 25, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has been awarded a $15,000 grant from the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation to support “Express Yourself”: Summer Arts Learning for Hartford Youth, a four-week summer arts enrichment program serving students enrolled in Hartford Public Schools’ Early Start initiative.
The grant will help provide high-quality, culturally responsive arts experiences to more than 200 Hartford students attending summer programming at Dwight Bellizzi Dual Language Academy and Classical Magnet School. Throughout July, professional Teaching Artists will lead daily workshops in visual arts, music, dance, spoken word, and improvisational theater, giving students opportunities to explore new art forms, develop original creative work, and share their creations with peers and families.
Integrated into Hartford Public Schools’ existing summer academic schedule, the program extends students’ learning through the afternoon, providing families with a full day of safe, engaging programming while strengthening students’ creativity, confidence, collaboration, and communication skills.
“We are deeply grateful to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation for investing in Hartford’s young people through the arts,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Summer learning should be more than keeping students occupied. It should inspire curiosity, nurture creativity, and give every child the opportunity to discover and express their unique voice. This grant helps make that possible.”
The program builds on AFLCT’s longstanding partnership with Hartford Public Schools and reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering equitable access to arts education. Teaching Artists use AFLCT’s Arts Learning Framework, which integrates Social and Emotional Learning, Universal Design for Learning, and Culturally Responsive Teaching to create welcoming, engaging learning environments where every student can thrive.
Over the course of the four-week program, students will participate in approximately 12,000 hours of arts learning, culminating in end-of-session showcases celebrating their creative achievements with classmates, educators, and families.
“We know that arts learning helps young people build confidence, strengthen critical thinking, and develop meaningful connections with their peers,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development. “We’re proud to partner with Hartford Public Schools and grateful to the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation for helping ensure these opportunities remain accessible to Hartford families.”
Arts for Learning Connecticut serves more than 70,000 students annually through performances, workshops, residencies, professional development, and its nationally recognized Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools initiative. Through partnerships with schools and community organizations across Connecticut, AFLCT works to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts.