Description
Empowering Youth
The mission of Focus On Youth is to keep at-risk youth on the path to graduation using photography and mentoring to empower and inspire them to achieve academic success. Focus on Youth has been putting cameras in the hands of at-risk youth for the past seven years and we have seen them transformed by their experience. We believe that all individuals deserve respect, dignity, education and equitable chance to achieve their full potential. We value diversity and seek out inclusive partnerships with all members of our community.
Who Focus on Youth Serves
We are serving ethnically and culturally diverse youth ages 14 to 19 from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Ninety percent of our students are youth of color. Many are recent immigrants with limited English skills, and who are facing significant life challenges such as racism, poverty, or homophobia.
Making a Difference
Focus on Youth is committed to providing teens with learning experiences that help them gain skills and abilities that are transferable to their future educational and professional endeavors. These photography workshops are a rewarding way for teens to express themselves while documenting their community and cultures. Youth experience the power of their imagination and in the process they develop new perspectives.
Focus on Youth is empowering at-risk youth by providing cameras, equipment, resources and materials that otherwise would not be available to them. We have introduced digital technology and our greatest need if for computers and digital cameras. Many of the alternative schools we partner with are not able to offer these arts education classes students need to complete this requirement.
Mentoring Youth to Succeed
Students who come to our program find a place where they are encouraged, nurtured and inspired so they can succeed in school and in their lives. . Together with our community partners and caring we are providing disadvantaged youth with creative opportunities and transferable skills to keep them engaged with the education and on the path to graduation.
