Photo Start

Overview

Photo Start is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2016 and headquartered in New York. The organization focuses on empowering under-resourced youth through photography, aiming to enhance their digital and visual literacy, as well as their overall personal development. By utilizing photography as a teaching medium, Photo Start offers programs that help young people develop essential 21st-century skills crucial for their future success.

Mission and Vision

The mission of Photo Start is to provide applied learning experiences that encourage students to reframe their personal narratives, develop leadership skills, and become catalysts for change within their communities. The organization envisions a world where empowered youth can create impactful stories through visual media and digital skills, fostering positive change for themselves and future generations.

Programs

Photo Start operates various programs designed to promote digital and visual literacy among youth aged 12-25 years. The core of these programs features a 12-week curriculum that integrates visual storytelling, life skills, and technical training in photography. This curriculum is designed to foster long-term benefits and enhance the educational, vocational, and interpersonal development of participants.

The organization partners with local community organizations across several countries, including Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, South Africa, Iraq, Kurdistan, Bolivia, and the United States. Through these partnerships, Photo Start facilitates cross-cultural exchanges where students can share their work and learn from one another.

Values and Commitment

The values that guide Photo Start include:

• Empowerment: Instilling confidence and the belief that power lies within each individual.

• Stewardship: Ensuring care for each other and the world.

• Integrity: Committing to honesty and ethical practices.

• Excellence: Striving for the highest standards in all endeavors.

• Innovation: Embracing new ideas and unique approaches to problem-solving.

Photo Start is dedicated to continuously improving its programs and services, ensuring they remain relevant and effective in meeting the needs of the communities it serves.

Funding

Photo Start is primarily funded through cash and in-kind donations from individuals and institutional supporters. As a registered 501(c)(3) organization, contributions to Photo Start are tax-deductible under United States law, enhancing their appeal to potential donors.

Impact

The organization addresses significant educational gaps highlighted by UNESCO, where millions of youth lack access to quality education and necessary life skills. By engaging students in photography, Photo Start harnesses the power of visual media to foster creativity, critical thinking, and self-confidence, preparing participants for meaningful contributions to their communities and society at large.

Through its impactful programs, Photo Start not only equips youth with technical skills but also transforms their lives by fostering a sense of purpose and community connection.