Become a Mentor: First Exposures

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First Exposures is a San Francisco-based, nationally recognized youth mentoring program that strives to make a major long-term difference in the lives of high-need, underserved San Francisco Bay Area youth by providing a venue for them to enhance their self-confidence, develop their creativity, and gain a passion for learning. Cited as a model program by the State of California, First Exposures serves youth 11-18, who are referred to the program by a wide range of youth and social services organizations with which First Exposures partners.

Since the program's founding in 1993, over 95 percent of our students have gone on to pursue a college education.

Mentors need to be at least 21 years old and have a background and passion for photography. Mentors work 1:1 with youth in a classroom setting learning photography. We offer both digital and darkroom classes.


Seeking Female Volunteers: Yes

Seeking Male Volunteers: Yes

Minimum Match Commitment (in months): 10 months

Type of Mentoring: One-to-One, Group

Youth Population Served: Academically At-Risk, Adjudicated/court involved, Foster, Residential or Kinship Care, Gang At-Risk, Gang involved, General Youth Population, Homeless/Runaway, Incarcerated Parent, LGBTQ Youth, Low Income, Mental Health Issues, Parent Involved in Military, Physical Disabilities/Special Care Needs, Recent Immigrant/Refugee, Single-Parent Household, Special Education, Youth with Disabilities

Mentoring Program Goals: Career Exploration, Friendship/Socialization, Other

Ages of Youth Served: 11-14, 15-18