The Success Stories project collects submissions from organizations that highlight successful arts education programs. These stories demonstrate the benefits of arts education and promote continued collaboration and learning for individuals and organizations working toward student achievement and success. This is the first in a series of success stories about how arts organizations, states, schools and other entities are using funding from the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) to support arts education. Arts Connect Houston is a collective impact organization and the entire collective centers on the idea that strong relationships drive systems and social change. This funding helps expand nearly a decade of relationship-building across stakeholders including Houston Independent School District (HISD), the philanthropic community and local arts and culture organizations.