Photography Classes for At-Risk Youth
Focus on Youth offers photography classes at no cost to low-income, homeless and disadvantaged teens. Students meet with professional photographs one-on-one where they work together on a variety of projects, and participate in regular photographic field trips around the city. Classes are held five days per week and students work with professional photographer/mentors weekly. Classes are held in the Focus on Youth Studio and students participate in location shoots around the city while earning high school credit towards graduation.
Accredited Diploma Program
We partner with The Portland International Community School an alternative school with an emphasis for bi-cultural, bilingual youth. Small classes and individual attention help students prepare for their future. PICS offers morning an evening classes in English as a second language a, accredited diploma program, free bus tickets, school lunch program, access to free health care and child care funding is available. Portland International School is accepting new students. To find our more contact Skip Adams at 503.232.5334 or click on the link below to learn more about how to apply.
Our Students Learn From Professional Photographers 
Under the guidance of skilled photographers students learn how to operate a camera, develop film and print quality photographs.
Professional photographers share their expertise, skills and their enthusiasm teaching teens how develop negatives in the darkroom, print contact sheets and develop and print professional quality photographs.
Students develop a trusting relationship with a caring adult mentor and build good self-esteem while developing their creative skills and learning to express themselves through photography. In addition, students take field trips to the studios of professional photographers to see them at work, learn how to use a digital camera, learn the basic principals of photography and composition and produce a portfolio of images for exhibit on-line and in local galleries.
Sessions
Winter classes are January through March 2010. Spring classes are March through June. Each session lasts approximately 13 weeks.
How to Apply
Together we can change the future for disadvantaged teens – one youth at a time. Portland teens are invited to learn digital photography skills from professional photographers . Applications from interested students are accepted year ‘round. Students can sign up directly by contacting Focus on Youth, by contacting Social workers, teachers, counselors or case managers can also refer youth.
Please download an application on-line and mail it to Focus on Youth at 1028 S.E. Water Avenue 97204. Class size is limited so send your application as early as possible. You will be contacted for an interview. You may also call Focus on Youth Director, Donna Lee Holmes for an application at 503 341-6878.
Download our Scholarship Application Form
What Our Students Are Saying…
“I am a student from Focus on Youth. For two years I have been with Focus on Youth and every moment of it I hold dear to me. I plan to be an animal photographer, so being here is like training for me and is one of the stepping-stones to reach my goal.” – Hannah
“My name is Emad William and I came to the U.S. from Egypt. I have been a student from Focus on Youth for two years and I have enjoyed it very much. I love photography and my goal is to become a good photographer. I started learning photography in Egypt and thanks to Focus on Youth I am able to learn photography and take photos I like.” – Emad
“My name is Jowharaay (my knickname is J.J.) I feel like I am lucky to have opportunities like Focus on Youth. The teachers are wonderful and full of creativity. I am originally from Somlia. I moved to Kenya when I was 6 years old and then came to live in the U.S. when I was 8 years old. I love to take photos, especially of myself. Photography is a hobby that I am interested in learning more about. My dream is to become a nurse when I graduate from school. ” – Jowharaay
“My name is Madeha, and I am a student in Focus on Youth. I like this class because I learned a lot of things from this. How to take pictures in the light and in the sun. I learned how to take pictures with a zoom near and far. I also learned how to take pictures for myself. Thanks to Donna Lee and Scott and Leo and Gary I learned so much. I am thankful for this photography program. I like this program very much.” – Madeha
“I am part of the Focus on Youth class. This is the best class I have even taken because it made me see the real beauty in the world around me.”
“I came to Focus on Youth in 2008 and started learning photography. I attended all the classes and focused on my assignments and I was respectful of all the mentors. I always try to do my best in photography. When I am taking photographs I see the beauty and I just go for it. The beauty I see and am able to photograph makes me forget the painful things that happened in Liberia.” – Sitta
Student Exhibits
Support Focus on Youth students and local galleries by going to see their work.
See all current and upcoming exhibits
Focus on Youth Auction, May 1, 2010
The first annual Focus on Youth Auction is scheduled for May 1, 2010 at The Pacific Northwest College of Art. The Auction will showcase students photographs as well as fine art photographs by professional photographers. If you would like to donate a fine art print for the auction please contact Donna Lee Holmes at 503 341-6878. Focus on Youth is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit and your donation is tax deductible. Find out more about the Focus on Youth Auction
Permanent Exhibits
Focus on Youth students have a permanent exhibit of their photographs at Hotel Modera in downtown Portland and Intel in Hillsboro.
