Youth in Focus’s mission is to empower urban youth, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and to make positive choices for their lives. We accomplish this mission by building a community of support around high school-aged youth and providing these students with a sequential series of photography classes—in both film and digital media—that are specifically designed to build a sense of self-worth, social skills, artistic sensibility, and self-expression.
Our Students
Youth in Focus works with youth ages 13-19 who face a variety of challenges in their lives, including low income, racism, discrimination, family troubles, homelessness, and low academic achievement. All Youth in Focus students attend class free of charge. We interview prospective students prior to admission to assess their fit with our mission and the likelihood that they will benefit from working with us. We work with approximately 150 individual youth annually, many of whom will stay with us for several quarters. Take a moment and see their work in the student gallery.
History
Youth in Focus has a proven track record in serving at-risk youth with compassion, energy, and vision. Founded in 1994 by retired high school teacher Walter Bodle, we were incorporated as a non-profit in 1997. Since that time, we have grown from a summer class in a borrowed darkroom to an organization offering free classes year- round in a purpose-built photography space. We continue to expand our service through partnerships with other local youth service agencies and by providing advice and encouragement across the country to other groups who seek to emulate our model of youth empowerment through photography.
Accomplishments
Youth in Focus has taught our high quality classes to over 2,500 students since our founding in 1994. The President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities recognized Youth in Focus as a model program in 2000 providing “life-changing activities” to youth with limited opportunities. Our students have shown their work at the Seattle Art Museum, the Henry Art Gallery, the Frye Art Gallery, the Benham Gallery and the Washington State Convention Center among other local venues. The prestige of these locations is a testament to both to the quality of the work our students produce and their passion for the medium.
