HAMDEN, CT — November 19, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut is proud to announce that it has received an $8,000 Young Audiences Affiliate Development Fund grant to support Let’s Play!, a new initiative designed to strengthen arts-based, play-centered learning in out-of-school time (OST) programs across Connecticut. This project will enhance AFLCT’s work within 21st Century Community Learning Centers and build new infrastructure, curriculum, and training models to expand high-quality arts learning opportunities for students statewide.
AFLCT developed Let’s Play! to meet the growing need for developmentally aligned, culturally responsive, play-based arts instruction in OST settings. The initiative will create a cross-disciplinary play-based learning framework, update organizational systems to support OST delivery, and pilot at least 30 days of new programming across multiple school districts.
“This grant arrives at a pivotal moment,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development and one of the project leads. “As federal arts and equity funding faces significant challenges, the need for joyful, student-centered, out-of-school programming has never been clearer. Let’s Play! will help us expand access to creative learning for students who need it most, while giving our Teaching Artists the tools and training necessary to thrive in afterschool environments. We are grateful for the Affiliate Development Fund’s investment in our vision for more equitable and engaging arts experiences across Connecticut.”
Led by Education Manager Alex Novak, Director of Operations Josephine Kuever, and Director of Business Development Jed Kornbluh, the project also includes key contributions from AFLCT’s Teaching Artists and site partners across AFLCT’s afterschool network.
“Let’s Play!” directly advances AFLCT’s mission to expand access, foster creativity, and close opportunity gaps through arts learning, while building sustainable infrastructure that will strengthen the organization’s work for years to come. Learn more about “Let’s Play!”