Unlocking photography's power for underserved youth

K-12 STEAM education

South LA

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The state of arts education within Middle and High Schools in California is at a crisis point right now. State law requires all students receive sequential, standards-based visual and performing arts education. However, according to a 2022 report from SRI Education, nearly 90% of California Schools fail to meet state-mandated arts education requirements. Schools serving low-income neighborhoods fare the worst. Inadequate funding and the lack of training for teachers are the largest barriers to providing adequate arts education. 
Yet, studies have shown that students who have access to arts education are more likely to succeed in school. A 2025 report by the National Endowment for the Arts reveals that students who complete art classes in secondary school have greater academic achievements, graduate at higher rates and are more successful after graduation. Now, in a time of budget cuts and constrictions of state funding, LACP’s 6-12 art education services are needed more than ever.

Our Youth and Community Learning program provides STEAM photography classes at underserved public schools where there is an overwhelming need for creative learning and expression. We work in some of the lowest-income and most marginalized communities in South Los Angeles that lack the financial ability to comply with state mandated arts education requirements. Our after-school program and summer workshops are facilitated in collaboration with the Children’s Institute, Inner-City Arts and Inglewood Parks and Recreation. After school programs meet twice a week for 1.5 hours per session, over 6-8 weeks for a total of 15 hours.
The workshops are taught by leading photographers in the region. Lessons concentrate on developing media and technology literacy to empower young storytellers. Students learn the technical craft of making digital images while they each discover their own voice. Our workshops culminate with a public event where students exhibit their work for their community and the wider world. For example, in 2023 LACP organized a display of student artwork as part of an exhibition that included photographic trailblazers such as Catherine Opie and William Camargo.
Through our pilot program we have already served over 120 historically undervalued youth in the past two years. The positive response has been profound. We have received many requests to increase the capacity of the program from our school partners, and we are seeking funds to do so.

After decades of defunding arts education in public schools and disinvesting in our children’s future, LACP’s STEAM photography program uplifts and serves some of the poorest communities in South Los Angeles. LACP’s classes are the only opportunity for these students to access any arts related courses, electives, or extended learning time, since their schools are unable to provide these sorts of classes. Our photography program will not only provide critical media learning and self-expression opportunities, but will also increase graduation rates, student achievement and student success after graduation. 
With the support of LA2050, we will expand our program from the pilot phase, scaling up to serve over 500 students in the next two years. We have been invited by LAUSD to partner with them and once we are able to pay for the costly insurance required, this is our long-term goal.