The mission of Youth in Focus is to empower under-served teens, through photography, to experience their world in new ways and make positive changes in their lives.

Description:
Youth in Focus offers black and white photography classes, a digital photography class, employment training and special projects. Participants meet one-on-one with photography mentors outside of class time. Our curriculum instills self-confidence, work skills and the value of community. All students are provided with a camera, film, a darkroom and other photography materials through a scholarship. There are many ways someone can volunteer. Mentors are assigned to every student enrolled in class, and are there to take them on field trips, work in the darkroom and help them develop their vision. The Freelance Project is a job-training program designed to help students further their professional opportunities and photo skills. Mentors go out on assignments with the students and assist them with their shoot. Volunteers are also needed to help with open darkroom and administrative work.

History:
Youth in Focus has been around since 1994, and has been committed to serving teens with limited opportunities or facing difficult challenges. We have had several photography shows around Seattle at places like the Seattle Art Museum, Frye Art Museum and the Henry Art Gallery. Youth in Focus has also been partners with other non-profits including Treehouse Fund, The Orion Center, The Olmsted Society, Rainier Valley Historical Society, and Seattle Foundation. Youth in Focus has also been awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant.

Contact people:

Lori Vail, Program Assistant, (phone), (email) Sam Smith, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email) Rachel Adams, Freelance Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Office fax number: (206) 723-2844

Address:

2100 24th Ave S., suite 310 Seattle, WA 98144 This location is handicap accessible (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.youthinfocus.org

Directions:

South of the I-90 overpass. Just east of the intersection of Rainier Avenue and 23rd Avenue South.   Nearest Bus Stop: 4, 7 ,8, 9, 42 and 48, 5 minute walk

Miscellaneous Information

Liability
	No
Does your organization welcome court-ordered community service volunteers?
	Yes
Does your organization have volunteer positions for youth 12-18?
	Yes