100cameras: Empowering Youth Through Photography to Share Their Stories

With a unique blend of creativity and community impact, this organization not only teaches students the art of photography but also enables them to reinvest in their neighborhoods

Glenn Burgess

In a world filled with stories waiting to be told, one nonprofit organization, 100cameras, is illuminating the path for youth to harness the power of photography. By imparting invaluable skills and perspectives, 100cameras empowers young minds to shape their narratives and transform their communities.

100cameras, a global nonprofit, is dedicated to nurturing the creative potential of young individuals worldwide. Through the art of photography, this innovative organization provides a platform for youth to not only capture the world through their lenses but also gain a profound understanding of themselves and their place within their communities.

About the Innovation

We believe youth will change the world

At 100cameras, we firmly believe in the transformative potential of youth. Regardless of their background or life circumstances, every child deserves the opportunity to explore and express their experiences in a way that fosters emotional growth for their future.

Our core commitment lies in equipping and empowering young people from all corners of the globe. We provide them with a platform that not only encourages self-expression but also positively shapes their self-perception and role within their communities.

Enhancing Emotional Intelligence and Community Building

Through our unique curriculum, 100cameras empowers youth worldwide to process and share their life experiences. Our tailored program not only cultivates emotional intelligence but also nurtures well-being, resilience, and essential community-building skills. Photography serves as a powerful avenue for self-expression and connection, enabling young individuals to discover their leadership potential.

Our program platform is designed to be all-encompassing, accessible, and educational. It can be implemented in collaboration with local organizations or on an individual basis, ensuring that it meets the diverse needs of young people.

Our platform includes comprehensive programs that directly partner with local organizations such as schools, community centers, children’s homes, and enrichment programs.

Operating in over 50 communities globally, our customized curriculum encompasses emotional skill development, photography composition, and storytelling through interactive lectures, camera-related activities, and group discussions.

We provide all the necessary materials, equipment, and support, working closely with local leaders to align with their objectives and requirements.

In addition to these extensive programs, our platform offers an interactive online program designed for independent or group use. Utilizing the 100cameras curriculum arc, this resource helps youth connect with themselves and their surroundings, requiring no specific type of camera. With over 33,000 participants to date, this program continues to expand its reach.

Direct Impact

From the United States to India, Cuba, Vietnam, Iraq, Uganda, and Venezuela, young people are learning to process their experiences, express themselves, and narrate their life stories through our tailored curriculum, which emphasizes storytelling, self-expression, and photography skills.

To date, the 100cameras program platform has supported 33,684 participants through our Extensive Programs and the Where You Are workshop. We have formed partnerships with esteemed organizations like Apple, Paramount, Adobe, Fujifilm, ViacomCBS, Whole Foods’ Foundation, Framebridge, JOBY, and more.

Our program has demonstrated its ability to enhance students’ capacity to process and share their experiences, improve their emotional intelligence and community-building skills, and boost their self-esteem.

Proven Success

The United Nations University Centre for Policy Research’s report, “Cradled by Conflict,” highlights the efficacy of our approach and programming. Renowned research demonstrates that youth who have faced difficulties and have had the opportunity to process and share their past challenges have experienced positive transformations over time. They felt heard, valued, and were more likely to become effective contributors to their communities.

Our method and approach are cited as exemplary enrichment programs that can complement local development organizations by providing this vital opportunity to their youth. Additionally, we are proud to note that many images captured by 100cameras students around the world were featured in the published report.

Academic research further solidifies the link between providing visual arts opportunities and its positive impact on youth who have faced challenges or difficulties. Regardless of the challenges young people encounter today, research underscores that those who are given the platform to process, express, and feel heard are more likely to engage rather than disengage.

Impact & Scalability

100cameras is a driving force in enabling young individuals to express themselves and share their stories using the art of photography. What sets this initiative apart is its holistic approach, providing students not only with creative tools but also an opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities.

The Power of Student Creativity

At the core of 100cameras’ mission is the belief that students should be encouraged to explore their artistic talents and life experiences. Through photography, they’re not just capturing moments but creating powerful narratives.

Investing in Communities

One of the most remarkable aspects of 100cameras is the way it reinvests the funds generated from student art. When their work is purchased, the proceeds go right back into their communities, fueling positive change and growth.

Reaching More Students with Online Workshops

In a bid to reach an even wider audience, 100cameras recently introduced online teacher workshops. This exciting addition means their impactful work can now extend its reach to more students. These workshops serve as a powerful vehicle for spreading the mission of 100cameras further and enabling even more youth to find their voice through photography.

Through the lens of creativity and community impact, 100cameras continues to empower young individuals to be agents of positive change. Their expansion into online teacher workshops marks another step forward in their mission to inspire and uplift students worldwide.