Hamden, CT — November 25, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is pleased to announce that it has received a $10,000 grant from the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation to support its Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools programming across eight public schools in Connecticut.
This generous funding will expand access to high-quality, arts-integrated learning experiences for thousands of students. The HOT Schools model is nationally recognized for its ability to deepen academic engagement, cultivate social-emotional development, and ignite creative and critical thinking in the classroom.
“We are deeply grateful to the Maximilian E. and Marion O. Hoffman Foundation for investing in this work,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Their partnership enables us to continue building transformative arts learning opportunities that uplift students, empower educators, and strengthen school communities.”
With this support, AFLCT continues its mission to inspire young people and broaden their learning through the arts, ensuring that students across the HOT Schools cohort have the tools, confidence, and creative opportunities they need to succeed both in and beyond the classroom.
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.