HAMDEN, CT — November 19, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is proud to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the Elizabeth Carse Foundation in support of its Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools programming at eight partner sites across Connecticut.
This renewed investment from the Carse Foundation directly supports AFLCT’s mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through high-quality, arts-integrated education. Funding will strengthen programming that sparks creativity, deepens critical thinking, and supports social-emotional development, cornerstones of the HOT Schools model.
“We are deeply grateful to the Elizabeth Carse Foundation for their continued commitment to arts education,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “This support ensures that students across all eight HOT School sites can experience the transformative power of the arts as part of their everyday learning.”
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.