Hamden, CT — July 14, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has received a $3,500 grant from the Mr. & Mrs. William Foulds Family Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, to support “Express Yourself: Creative STEAM Learning at Bennet Academy in Manchester.” The one-year grant will help provide a 24-session afterschool arts program for 50 fifth- and sixth-grade students during the 2026–27 school year.
The Express Yourself program combines creative arts with STEAM learning to provide students with engaging opportunities for self-expression, collaboration, and skill development beyond the school day. Led by professional Teaching Artists, students will participate in hands-on residencies in visual arts, storytelling, theatre, movement, and other creative disciplines, culminating in a showcase for families and the school community.
Developed in partnership with Manchester Early Learning Center (MELC), the program serves students at Elisabeth M. Bennet Academy, where many families face economic barriers to accessing enrichment opportunities outside of school. Approximately 64.5% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals, while nearly 10% are English Learners and more than 18% receive special education services.
“We’re grateful to the Mr. & Mrs. William Foulds Family Foundation for its continued investment in young people in Manchester,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Afterschool programs like Express Yourself provide students with a safe, engaging environment where they can discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop skills that extend well beyond the classroom.”
The grant builds on an established partnership that has grown over multiple years. During the most recent program year, AFLCT delivered 16 residency sessions serving 50 students and generating 400 student contact hours. Educator surveys reported 100% positive ratings for student engagement, enrichment, and learning, with teachers praising the program’s ability to engage every student and provide experiences unavailable through traditional instruction.
The expanded 24-session model will provide students with even greater opportunities to explore their creativity, collaborate with peers, and strengthen communication and problem-solving skills through arts-integrated learning. The initiative reflects AFLCT’s ongoing commitment to making high-quality arts education accessible to all young people, regardless of socioeconomic background.