Kids in Focus

Youth Programming In 2024, our youth programs served 356 youth at no cost to them or their families. Through a mix of after-school programming, mentoring, workshops, internships, and GRADS events, youth participated in 1,006 unique experiencesfrom hands-on photography sessions to career development outings and community art exhibits. Our After School Mentoring Program provided 38 students with personalized mentorship and photography instruction over a 9-week period, including field experiences to cultural and nature-based destinations. Junior Mentors (12) developed leadership skills, with two serving as featured speakers at a national philanthropic conference. The GRADS Workshops offered continued connection for 40 youth, while the True North outdoor program brought 70 youth out of the city to explore Arizonas natural environments. We launched new service-learning partnerships with Scottsdale Community College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College, engaging KIF professional volunteers (photographers, writers, designers, and others) donated over 4,700 hours of direct service to the kids, valued at $282,000, a figure not represented in the budget. The youth served in 2021 are 55% Hispanic, 26% Black, 16% Caucasian, and 3% American Indian. 98 at-risk youth participated in multi-week programs ranging from 2 to 9 weeks each. 80 foster youth participated in two 2-day summer camps at Chauncey Ranch. 103 children and their families participated in the new annual picnic at Margaret T Hance Park. 30 kids participated in one-two day workshops. 225 youth participated in the year-round alumni program through quarterly team-building outings and monthly photo challenges with incentive prizes. 105 CFLA students participated in a school assembly led by five Junior Mentors, who worked with mentors to create the entire presentation over 5 weeks. We launched a brand new Junior Mentors Leadership Program in 2023. As part of this program, graduates of the After School program became Junior Mentors. These students participated in weekly leadership lessons and activities, and were leaders in the After School program, working with staff and volunteer photography mentors to mentor the currently enrolled students. This year, we furthered our long-standing partnership with Children First Leadership Academy, the school where Kids in Focus began over a decade ago. We continued building our relationship with partners Arizona Friends of Foster Children Foundation and Geneva Epps Mosley Middle School. Additionally, we developed partnerships and created programs for several new organizations, including New Pathways for Youth, G Road at Emerson Elementary, and Gigis Playhouse. KIF professional volunteers (photographers, writers, designers, and others) donated over 2,000 hours of direct service to the kids, valued at $67,000, a figure not represented in the budget. The youth served were 55% Hispanic, 26% Black, 16% Caucasian, and 3% American Indian. 53 youth participated in multi-week programs ranging from 2 to 9 weeks each. 72 foster youth participated in our True North program - full day adventures photographing in nature 2+ hours north of Phoenix. 53 kids participated in one day workshops. 119 youth participated in Grads in Focus, the year-round alumni program through quarterly team-building outings and monthly photo challenges with incentive prizes. 3 students participated in the Junior Mentors Leadership Pilot Program. 40 kids were honored at the annual Exhibit Opening, with over 250 people attending the free event to celebrate the kids accomplishments. Their inspiring images were displayed in public exhibits and permanent collections at 17 highly visible venues throughout the community, viewed by over 1 million people. These exhibits highlight the artistic achievements of our students and also raise awareness about the importance of creative expression in youth development. Ongoing training of the 90 volunteers, including 35 dedicated photography mentors, was enhanced and improved. Kids in Focus deepened our community partnerships with Arizona Science Center, Childrens Museum of Phoenix, the Phoenix Zoo, Phoenix College, and Mutoh America, and developed new partnerships with Chandler-Gilbert Community College, G Road at Emerson Elementary School, City of Phoenix Mayors Office, Repeat Ascenders, and Scottsdale Fashion Square.