YouthMAP Celebrates Its Mission—Teaching Youth Through Photography

Local students ages 12 to 17 found their inner photographers this year through the YouthMAP (Youth Marketing and Photography) program. The Davidson student-based organization, which aims to empower disadvantaged youths through photography, recently held its second annual gala. After four-months of mentoring from Davidson students, adolescents from the Ada Jenkins Center and Barium Springs Home for Children get the opportunity to display and sell their photos. The proceeds are split among Ada Jenkins, Barium Springs and YouthMAP.

YouthMAP began after Max Feinstein '16 and Aly Dove '16 spent 48-hours homeless in Washington, D.C., during a Center for Civic Engagement alternative spring break. They discovered an arts and craft center that sold the handiwork of local homeless artists and were inspired to bring a similar idea to the Charlotte area. The organization has since expanded its mission and outreach.