HCP’s Access and Community Education (ACE) programs build community and support the organization’s mission of increasing awareness and appreciation of photography through various educational programs. These programs, which include Picture This!, Girls’ Own Stories, the Flash Drive, Collaborations, Community Day, and various public workshops, stem from an understanding of the camera as a tool for empowerment and expression. HCP’s ACE programs meet individuals where they are, and our Teaching Artists validate their unique lived experiences through diverse curriculum tailored to the needs of each site we visit. Currently, Teaching Artists work in medical settings, including the Periwinkle Arts In Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Hospital, as well as schools, community centers, public parks, and other community organizations, including the Aldine Independent School District, the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, and Levy Park Conservancy, among others.