100cameras is a remarkable nonprofit organization that uses photography as a powerful tool for youth empowerment, emotional development, and self-expression. At its core, the program believes that every young person carries an important story, and that visual storytelling can offer a meaningful pathway for communicating those experiences. By providing access to cameras, creative instruction, and a supportive learning environment, 100cameras enables students from a wide range of communities to explore their identities and perspectives in a constructive, imaginative way.
The organization’s curriculum is intentionally designed to be adaptable, allowing it to fit into many different settings—from traditional classrooms and after-school programs to community centers, enrichment groups, and homeschool environments. Students begin by learning the technical foundations of photography, including concepts such as composition, lighting, and framing. As they progress, they use these skills to document the world around them, reflect on their lived experiences, and translate complex feelings into images that carry personal and cultural significance.
A key component of the program is its emphasis on personal voice and agency. Rather than simply teaching photography as a hobby, 100cameras encourages young people to view their cameras as tools for communication, advocacy, and self-discovery. Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, students build emotional intelligence, confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper awareness of the people and environments that shape their lives. Their finished photographs are not only shared within their community but can also be made available for sale, with profits returning to support both the students and the program. This model reinforces a sense of ownership, autonomy, and connection while highlighting the social value of their artistic contributions.