HAMDEN, CT — December 30, 2025 — Arts for Learning CT has been awarded a $14,000 grant from the Connecticut Community Foundation through its Southbury Community Trust Fund to support “Tell Your Story: Expanded Social and Emotional Learning through the Arts”, a community-wide initiative serving elementary students in Southbury during the 2025–26 school year.
The grant will enable AFLCT to deliver Teaching Artist–led workshops and school-wide cultural performances at Pomperaug Elementary School and Gainfield Elementary School, reaching more than 800 students and educators through hands-on, arts learning experiences that strengthen creativity, connection, and social-emotional development.
Building on the success of a pilot program previously supported by the Southbury Community Trust Fund, AFLCT is expanding the initiative from one school to two. Last year’s program at Pomperaug Elementary engaged more than 480 students and teachers, with over 80% of surveyed students reporting that they learned new skills and more than 70% noting a positive impact on school culture.
“Arts learning gives students powerful tools to express themselves, understand one another, and build empathy,” said John-Michael Parker, Executive Director of Arts for Learning Connecticut. “We are deeply grateful for this continued investment, which allows us to expand a proven model and ensure that even more Southbury students have equitable access to creative, culturally responsive learning experiences.”
Through the Tell Your Story program, professional Teaching Artists will lead immersive classroom workshops in disciplines such as dance, storytelling, visual art, and poetry, paired with school-wide performances that bring entire communities together around shared cultural experiences. The program is aligned with Social and Emotional Learning, National Core Arts Standards, and grade-level academic goals, supporting both students and educators.
Pomperaug and Gainfield Elementary Schools are active partners in the initiative and have each committed additional funding toward the program, underscoring their shared belief in the impact of arts-based learning for all students.
About the Connecticut Community Foundation
Established in 1923, Connecticut Community Foundation was created by and for the people of Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. While serving this 21-town region, the Foundation works to address the community’s critical issues, funds programs benefiting local residents, supports efforts to improve systems to foster more equitable outcomes for residents, strengthens local organizations through learning and outreach, and works with individuals, families and corporations to steward charitable and scholarship funds. Learn more by visiting https://conncf.org.