Empowering Youth

For the past eight years Focus on Youth has been putting cameras in the hands of low-income high risk youth and we have seen them transformed by the experience.   Focus on Youth uses photography to empower culturally and ethnically diverse teens by providing them with creative outlets to make positive changes in their lives.  We collaborate with professional photographers, schools and community organizations developing projects that engage students’ imagination and creativity while building their confidence and self-worth.

Focus on Youth nurtures creativity, promotes leadership skills, encourages success and profoundly transforms the lives of our students and our participants.

Professional Photographers serve as Volunteer Mentors

Professional photographers from The American Society of Media Photographers and The Portland Metropolitan Photographers Association who volunteer as mentors teaching  digital photography and computer software programs. Our workshops include field trips around the city, in-class projects, gallery and museum visits and guest speakers over the course of ten week sessions throughout the fall, winter and spring.

Making a Difference

By putting cameras in the hands of low-income, high-risk young people from under-served neighborhoods Focus on Youth accomplishes three goals: increasing opportunities for developing students creativity using hands-on photography and computer activities, introducing students to career paths and professionals, and cultivating students ability to communicate publicly through photography exhibits and media productions for radio and cable television shows.