HAMDEN, CT — September 18, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is honored to announce a $15,000 grant from the Liberty Bank Foundation in support of its Higher Order Thinking Schools initiative in Hamden, Waterbury, Hartford, and New London.
This generous award represents a significant increase from last year’s $5,000 grant and underscores Liberty Bank Foundation’s commitment to supporting community initiatives, such as the Higher Order Thinking Schools initiative – an initiative that advances equitable access to arts integrated education. At a time when federal funding for arts education is being eliminated, AFLCT is especially grateful for the Foundation’s trust and partnership in sustaining and expanding this critical work.
“With this increased support from the Liberty Bank Foundation, we will continue to build inspiring, arts integrated learning environments for young people across Connecticut,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “At a moment when national support for arts education is shrinking, Liberty Bank Foundation’s investment sends a powerful message: our students deserve creative, culturally responsive learning experiences that prepare them for success in school and in life.”
This grant will allow AFLCT to expand its reach and impact, working with more students, teachers, and communities in Hamden, Waterbury, Hartford, and New London throughout the 2025–26 school year.
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.
About Liberty Bank Foundation
Since its inception in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation has awarded $20 million in grants to organizations and programs throughout Liberty Bank’s market area. Following the Bank’s ‘Be Community Kind’ spirit, the Foundation seeks to improve the lives of individuals and families by investing in three key areas: Education & Training, Affordable Housing, and Food.