Hamden, CT — July 1, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) has been awarded a $12,500 grant from Connecticut Community Foundation to continue and expand Express Yourself, an afterschool arts learning program serving students at F.J. Kingsbury Elementary School in Waterbury during the 2026-27 school year.
The grant builds on the program’s success over the past several years, expanding the initiative from 25 to 30 program days and increasing the number of arts learning sessions from 50 to 60. Through hands-on instruction led by AFLCT’s professional Teaching Artists, students will explore multiple art forms, including visual arts, storytelling, spoken word, and dance, while developing creativity, confidence, communication, and collaboration skills.
“Express Yourself has become an important opportunity for students at Kingsbury to discover their creativity and build confidence beyond the school day,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “We’re incredibly grateful to Connecticut Community Foundation for its continued investment in this program and in the young people it serves. Their support allows us to expand access to meaningful arts experiences that help students grow both creatively and personally.”
Arts for Learning Connecticut has partnered with F.J. Kingsbury Elementary School for several years through arts workshops, Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools programming, and after-school initiatives. The Express Yourself program was developed in collaboration with school leadership to provide structured, engaging after-school enrichment opportunities for students while fostering social-emotional learning and creative expression.
Each program day will feature two one-hour arts sessions led by professional Teaching Artists from AFLCT’s statewide roster. Students will create original works, learn foundational artistic techniques, collaborate with peers, and culminate the program by sharing their work with classmates, educators, and families.
The program is made possible through a collaborative partnership with Waterbury Public Schools, which provides transportation, snacks, and paraprofessional support to ensure students can fully participate in the afterschool experience. Together, these investments remove barriers to participation and create equitable access to high-quality arts education.”