Hamden, CT—Arts for Learning CT (AFLCT) is proud to announce it has received a $10,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut’s Norwich Youth Fund to support its “Tell Your Story @ Teachers’ Memorial” initiative. This program will bring culturally responsive, curriculum-connected arts workshops to every Teachers’ Memorial Global Studies Magnet Middle School student during spring 2025.
Now in its second year, the project provides students in grades 6–8 with two in-class creative arts sessions led by professional Teaching Artists. These 45-to-60-minute workshops promote creative expression, improve social and emotional learning skills, and support core English Language Arts standards. The 2025 program engages all 442 students and serves 70 educators.
“This project is about more than just art; it’s about identity, connection, and resilience,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “Thanks to the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, we can expand this program and make sure every student has the opportunity to tell their story through the arts.”
Students will explore diverse art forms, including spoken word poetry, hip hop, West African and Kathak dance, and digital music. Each will be led by Teaching Artists whose practices are deeply rooted in their own cultural identities. Workshops are co-developed with school staff to ensure alignment with academic standards and student needs.
This initiative directly supports youth in one of the region’s highest-need communities, where 75% of students identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and 75% qualify for Free or Reduced Price Meals. In partnership with school leaders, AFLCT is using this model to help close opportunity gaps through the power of the arts.
Sponsorship and philanthropic support remain welcome and essential to this work’s continued growth. For information on how to get involved or contribute, please visit www.aflct.org or contact Jed Kornbluh, Director of Business Development, via [email protected].
About the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut
The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut stewards over 600 funds and annually awards more than $8 million in grants and scholarships. The Foundation’s mission is to foster inclusive, healthy, and thriving communities by supporting organizations that promote equity, education, and opportunity across Eastern Connecticut.
For more information about their work, please visit https://cfect.org/about/about-us