Hamden, CT— Arts for Learning CT (AFLCT) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $5,000 grant from Near & Fair Aid to support Higher Order Thinking Schools programming at program schools in Fairfield County, including Concord Magnet School, Roxbury Elementary School, and Wolfpit Integrated Arts School. This funding will help continue arts learning opportunities for students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional development through the arts.
“We are incredibly thankful to Near & Far Aid for their generous support,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of AFLCT. “This grant strengthens our commitment to Higher Order Thinking Schools, allowing us to bring dynamic arts-based learning experiences to students in our three Fairfield County partner schools—helping them build creativity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.”
Near & Far Aid is dedicated to eliminating poverty in Fairfield County by providing critical funding to programs that address its root causes and create pathways to self-sufficiency. Through its strategic investments in housing, education, and economic security, Near & Far Aid works to break the cycle of poverty and empower individuals and families to build better futures. By supporting AFLCT’s Higher Order Thinking Schools programming, Near & Far Aid reaffirms its commitment to ensuring equitable access to high-quality education. Their investment helps bring transformative arts-based learning experiences to students in Fairfield County, fostering creativity, confidence, and the essential skills needed for lifelong success.
About Higher Order Thinking (HOT) 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.