Creative career Cohort applications NOW OPEN!

Our ProgramS

Youth in Focus is the only photography-specific arts and youth development organization in Seattle.

As a catalyst for the next generation of creative thinkers to meet the emerging needs of global society, we foster social and emotional learning and 21st century skills through photography and digital media offerings. We provide a range of programs for teens ages 13-19, where students explore creativity, practice risk-taking, and gain life-long tools to succeed in their futures. Our programs are offered to youth for free-of-charge or pay-what-you-can. We loan students all needed equipment, supply snacks each day, and provide free bus passes.

Our Student Programs

YiF is the only photography-specific arts and youth development organization in Seattle. With limited arts curriculums in public schools, we play a critical role in offering skill-building activities that evoke curiosity, courage, and personal agency.

After School Digital and Darkroom Photography Classes

We offer free multi-week classes for youth ages 13-19, where they learn timely media techniques and topics - including editing tools such as Lightroom and Photoshop, alongside storytelling approaches through imagery. Each class concludes with a Student Showcase and Exhibition, that is free and open to the public to attend.
View Our Current Classes

Job Training Program

We provide paid opportunities for teens who have completed several of our classes to expand their skills through on-the-job training. Artists provide mentorship and training in real photography jobs - including portrait photography, photobooths and event photography, and video production.
Learn More

Youth Advisory Board

The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) serves to connect youth with leadership opportunities in the arts community. The YAB will collaborate with staff, the Board of Directors, teaching artists, and the community to create a future in the arts that is in vision with today’s teens.
Learn More

Summer Camps

We offer fun-filled, weeklong activities for youth entering 6th-12th grades, which include field trips and seasonal activities. Summer camp programs are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis.
YiF Summer Camp 2023

Creative Career Cohort

A 6-month cohort for BIPOC students interested in creative careers. Students will learn photography and graphic design, complete professional projects, develop a portfolio, gain interview skills, and grow their social network. Students receive a $1,400 stipend and are ready for hire through our Job Training program.
Learn More About CCC

Partner Programs

We expand our program offerings through partnerships with regional schools, nonprofits, and fellow youth-serving organizations, allowing us to better serve our communities and meet students where they are. We collaborate with partners to co-develop photography and media arts workshops, classes and activities that align with their goals and are free to youth participants. We engage over 200 youth per year through Partner Programs.
Contact Us

Program Goals

Across all of our programs, Youth in Focus is committed to fulfilling our five overarching goals - all of which are rooted in our mission and values.

Check out work from our students!
1.

Safe and Supportive Environment

Create a place for youth to learn and grow where everyone feels valued and has a sense of belonging. Reinforce and model positive relationships with caring adult teachers and mentors.

2.

Equitable Access to Arts Education

Forge pathways and eliminate opportunity gaps for students furthest from educational justice.

3.

Provide Job Skills & Training Opportunities

Teach 21st century skills of creativity, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, perseverance, and growth mindset so youth are prepared to succeed and thrive in education, life, and/or career. Ensure students can name the skills they have developed and readily understand how to transfer them to other areas of their life.

4.

Planning & Leadership

Involve youth voice in planning, co-creating, and facilitating activities.

5.

Empathy & Tolerance

Foster a healthy, vibrant, and more equitable society.

Our accessible programming is made possible in part by support from our amazing partners!

Contact Us

2100 24th Avenue South
Suite 310
Seattle, WA 98144

(206) 723-1479

A facebook logo
About
Our Programs
Student Galleries
Ways to Give
Class Registration
Blog
Contact

Youth in Focus is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization.  All donations are tax deductible (Tax ID # 91-1821137)