HAMDEN, CT — June 25, 2026 — Arts for Learning Connecticut (AFLCT) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded two grants totaling $50,000 from The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts (SFFEA) to strengthen arts education and expand access to transformative learning experiences for students across Connecticut.
The awards include a $25,000 grant to support AFLCT’s nationally recognized Higher Order Thinking (HOT) Schools initiative and a $25,000 grant to expand the organization’s Responsive Programming, bringing customized arts learning experiences to schools and communities throughout Northeastern Connecticut.
Together, these investments will help AFLCT deepen existing partnerships, reach new students, and continue advancing equitable access to high-quality arts education through July 2027.
“Higher Order Thinking Schools demonstrates what’s possible when the arts become an essential part of teaching and learning rather than an occasional enrichment activity,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts’ investment allows us to continue partnering with schools that are committed to transforming student learning through creativity, collaboration, and higher-order thinking.”
AFLCT’s HOT Schools initiative provides sustained professional learning and coaching for educators while embedding arts integration throughout the curriculum. The model empowers teachers to use the arts to strengthen academic achievement, student engagement, critical thinking, communication, and social-emotional development.
The second $25,000 grant will support AFLCT’s Responsive Programming, enabling the organization to deliver artist residencies, workshops, performances, and customized educational experiences that respond directly to the needs of schools and community organizations across Northeastern Connecticut. These flexible programs connect professional Teaching Artists with students to foster creativity, cultural understanding, and meaningful learning experiences in both classroom and community settings.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Scripps Family Fund for Education and the Arts for their continued investment in Connecticut’s young people,” said Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development for Arts for Learning Connecticut. “This generous support strengthens two complementary areas of our work: long-term school transformation through HOT Schools and responsive programming that allows us to meet communities where they are. Together, these grants will create lasting opportunities for thousands of students.”
Arts for Learning Connecticut serves more than 65,000 students, educators, and families annually through arts-integrated and arts-infused educational programming delivered by a statewide roster of professional Teaching Artists. The organization partners with schools, libraries, municipalities, afterschool programs, and community organizations to inspire creativity, improve academic outcomes, and ensure that every child has access to meaningful arts learning experiences.
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.