1. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 The mission of Focus On Youth is to empower at-risk youth through photography and mentoring by providing them with creative experiences to make positive changes in their lives so they can succeed in school and in life. We believe that empowering youth through photography and connecting them to their community through digital technology gives them a better chance to achieve their full potential. Photography develops self-esteem and self expression, as well as appreciation of the work of others. It also develops critical thinking skills that is important as children continue their education and as they enter the working world. We value diversity and seek out inclusive partnerships with all members of our community. Focus on Youth offers photography classes at no cost to low-income, disadvantaged and homeless teens. Our students meet with professional photographers one-on-one where they work together on a variety of projects, and participate in regular photographic field trips around the city. Students participate in location shoots around the city and they work with mentors to create a portfolio of their work while earning high school credit towards graduation.

2. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 What are students are saying… “ 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 “ 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 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

3. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 Student Work Gallery One Gallery Two about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact

4. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 Get Involved Become a Mentor . . . Mentors work with students in a variety of capacities,including teaching camera use, accompanying students on field trips, and helping with digital post-production. Volunteer . . . Volunteers fill many roles at Focus on Youth, including serving on our board, grant writing, volunteer recruitment, exhibition development, securing donations, and assisting with the annual photography auction. Make a Donation . . . Donations allow us to create further opportunities for our youth and secure the necessary supplies to do so. By donating, you will enhance the life of our students by creating access to the tools necessary for success. In addition to cash donations, we can also take donations in the form of photographic equipment, including digital cameras,memory cards, flash drives,computers, printers, and scanners. For more information on making a cash or equipment donation, please call us at (503) 341-6878.

5. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 Current Events

6. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 Supporters Community Partners Donors Mentors Volunteers

7. about | students | galleries | get involved | current events | supporters | contact © focus on youth 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144, Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 Contact Us 1631 NE Broadway, Suite 144 Portland, OR 97232 (503) 341-6878 [email_address] Staff Donna Lee Holmes - Executive Director [email_address]