Hamden, CT — June 25, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded $20,000 from the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation to strengthen arts learning opportunities for students and educators across Connecticut.
The Foundation awarded two grants of $10,000 each. One grant will support AFLCT’s nationally recognized Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools program, while the second will provide flexible funding for responsive programming, enabling the organization to meet emerging needs identified by schools and community partners throughout the year. Together, the awards will support programming during the 2026-27 school year.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation for their continued investment in our mission,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “This support not only strengthens our HOT Schools program but also gives us the flexibility to respond to the evolving needs of educators and communities. Together, these grants will help us ensure that more Connecticut students have access to transformative arts learning experiences.”
The Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation’s investment reflects a shared commitment to expanding educational opportunity and ensuring that the arts remain an essential part of every child’s learning experience.
“Private philanthropic partners like the Jeffrey P. Ossen Family Foundation play a critical role in making innovation possible,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development at Arts for Learning Connecticut. “As schools continue to navigate changing educational needs, continued investments like these allow us to respond to need, deepen existing partnerships, and bring the power of arts learning to more students across Connecticut.”
Each year, Arts for Learning Connecticut delivers more than 1,700 arts learning experiences that engage approximately 65,000 students, educators, and families through school partnerships, artist residencies, professional learning, and community-based programs statewide.
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.