HAMDEN, CT — September 5, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is thrilled to announce it has received a $2,500 grant from the Dime Bank Foundation in support of its Higher Order Thinking Schools programming at the Regional Multicultural Magnet School in New London.
This investment will strengthen access to high-quality, arts integrated learning opportunities for New London students, enriching academic engagement, fostering social-emotional growth, and sparking creative thinking across the curriculum.
“With this support from the Dime Bank Foundation, we can continue building meaningful arts learning experiences that empower both students and teachers,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning CT. “This partnership strengthens our collective commitment to creativity, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness in education.”
Through this initiative, AFLCT reaffirms its mission to inspire young people and expand their learning through the arts, ensuring that New London’s students have opportunities to thrive both academically and personally.
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.
For more information about the Dime Bank Foundation, please visit https://www.dime-bank.com/about-us/in-the-community/dime-foundation