When school is engaging, relevant, and meaningful, students returning from correctional facilities and those at-risk of dropping out are more likely to achieve educational success. This brief is intended to assist district leaders and school administrators--both at the district and school level- who are seeking to implement strategies designed to help students find meaning and build a lasting connection to their education. NDTAC is focused and committed to engagement in the classroom so every student can find educational success and acceptance. This brief highlights three key approaches to making schools engaging, relevant, and meaningful: (1) incorporating creative and performing arts; (2) emphasizing culturally responsive materials, instruction, and experiences; and (3) acknowledging real-world problems and empowering students to solve them. Additionally, this brief highlights six foundational strategies for educators implementing the above three approaches: (1) Student Choice and Voice; (2) Real Audience; (3) Gamification; (4) Acknowledge Achievement; (5) Technology Integration; and (6) Personalization and Differentiation.