The several aims of Focus on Youth are to mobilize adults, who act as volunteer mentors to at-risk youth, promote academic and artistic excellence, recognize achievement, and provide young people with skills needed to establish goals and acquire confidence.  Focus on Youth is currently partnering with American Media Photographers of Oregon and The Portland Metropolitan Photographers Association.

Volunteers, who would like to teach youth to use a camera, share their portfolio, join the class on field trips or teach portrait lighting techniques are welcome to contact Donna Lee Holmes at   503 341-6878 or email her.

"Focus on Youth is the brainchild of Donna Lee Holmes.  She sees kids who got left behind and are working hard to catch back up.  I joined several local photo professionals in becoming mentors.  It was fun to watch the kids as they go through their own process of discovery for the first time.  This is a great program and I encourage everyone in the photo community to support it in some way."                        

Focus on Youth mentor, Mark Fitzgerald