HAMDEN, CT — December 11, 2025 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $7,000 grant from the Norma and Natale Sestero Fund, administered by the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. This funding will support the expansion of Express Yourself, a culturally responsive arts learning initiative for all 624 students in grades 5 and 6 at Gideon Welles School in Glastonbury.
Building on last year’s successful program, which reached 508 students and demonstrated strong gains in engagement, cultural connection, and creative expression, this year’s offering will grow in both scope and depth
During the 2025-26 school year, Express Yourself will deliver two full cycles of arts programming (fall and spring), including four days of in-class workshops and two large-group performances led by AFLCT’s diverse roster of professional Teaching Artists. More than half of AFLCT’s 95 artists identify as BIPOC, ensuring that students see both their own identities reflected and new cultural perspectives represented.
“We are grateful to the Sestero Fund for its continued investment in Glastonbury students,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of AFLCT. “Last year’s results made clear that when young people are given opportunities for creative expression and exposure to diverse artistic traditions, they flourish. This grant allows us to deepen that impact and reach every 5th and 6th grader at Gideon Welles.”
Survey results from the FY25 program underscore the program’s value:
- 94% of students reported feeling engaged.
- 94% said they were able to express themselves creatively.
- 100% said they learned something new.
- 100% of teachers agreed that the program enriched learning, promoted cultural connection, and engaged students
Student and teacher testimonies echoed these findings, praising the Teaching Artists’ ability to inspire confidence, model cultural pride, and create welcoming spaces for expression. As Principal Adriana Bruno noted in her letter of support, last year’s program made a “clear and meaningful impact.”
This year’s expanded model will expose students to multiple art forms, including spoken word, storytelling, drumming, dance, and visual art, while reinforcing essential skills such as self-expression, collaboration, empathy, and cultural understanding. All activities align with the National Core Arts Standards and Social and Emotional Learning practices.