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BDC Youth Photo League
The BDC Youth
Photo League
About the BDC Youth Photo League Program
The BDC Youth Photo League (YPL) is a free documentary photography and college success program for middle and high school students in the Bronx. Through afterschool and summer programs, students learn to use photography, writing, and research to explore social justice issues while preparing for college and future careers.
The Program includes:
• College prep support, including one-on-one counseling, financial aid workshops, and college tours
• Hands-on instruction in documentary photography
• Mentorship from internationally renowned photographers
• Field trips to major cultural institutions and media outlets
• National and international travel opportunities
After-School Program
(Applications Closed)
Fall Semester: September 29, 2025 – June 5, 2026
The BDC Youth Photo League is a free year-long documentary photography and college success program for students in the 6th-12th grades.
All experience levels are welcome and cameras and materials are provided by the BDC.
Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Intro to Photography
October – June
Tuesdays OR Wednesdays, 4:15–6:00 PM
High School (Grades 9-12)
Multimedia Storytelling
October – June
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM
Summer Program
(Applications Closed)
The YPL Summer Program is a free six-week course where students create photobooks, zines, and newspapers. These are IN-PERSON classes that will be held at the Bronx Documentary Center Annex at 364 151st Street. No experience is necessary! Cameras and other materials are to be provided by the BDC.
YPL Publications:
BDC Focus
BDC Focus is a student-run newspaper created by the Bronx Documentary Center’s Youth Photo League (YPL). Born from the YPL’s dedication to documenting critical issues in the South Bronx, it highlights untold stories through the lens of young photographers and photojournalists. Over the last two years, YPL students, alumni, and teaching artists have collectively produced this publication. BDC Focus serves as a powerful model of community journalism, showcasing the importance of local news and photojournalism for youth in the YPL.
YPL Photobook
Through Our Eyes: Youth Photography at the Bronx Documentary Center, 2013–2023 showcases a decade of work from our Youth Photo League. This photobook features award-winning images captured by students, offering a powerful visual narrative of the Bronx. With texts by Mike Kamber and Bianca Farrow, it celebrates the impact of youth storytelling through photography.
Student Films
At the Bronx Documentary Center’s Youth Photo League (YPL), students go beyond still photography to create compelling documentary shorts that tell powerful stories from their communities. Through hands-on training in video production, interviewing, and editing, students learn how to develop visual narratives that shed light on underreported issues and personal experiences. Guided by professional filmmakers and journalists, YPL students gain the skills to capture, edit, and share impactful stories, ensuring that their voices—and the voices of their neighbors—are heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the age requirements to be a student?
You must be enrolled in grades 6–12.
Do I have to be enrolled in a specific school or live in the Bronx to be in the YPL?
Nope! We welcome students from all five boroughs, though preference is given to Bronx-based applicants. The only requirement is that you can travel to and from class each week.
How much does the program cost?
The BDC YPL is completely free for all enrolled students. We provide equipment, cover field trip transportation, and even offer pre-class snacks.
When and where are classes held?
In the summer, classes meet twice a week at varying times. During the school year, high school students meet twice a week after school, middle school students meet once a week, and optional open lab time is available on Saturdays. College success workshops for high schoolers take place on weeknights and Saturdays.
All classes are held at the Bronx Documentary Center Annex, 364 E. 151st St, Bronx, NY.
Do I need to have photography experience?
No experience needed! Our classes challenge students of all skill levels—from complete beginners to advanced photographers.
Do I need to have a camera?
Nope! The BDC provides all the equipment you’ll need during the program—analog and digital cameras, plus onsite access to laptops with the full Adobe Creative Suite.
If I was already in the BDC Youth Photo League do I need to apply again?
Although returning YPL students are given preference during the application process, you still need to apply!
What will I learn in the YPL?
You’ll learn how to tell powerful stories through documentary photography and video—building your camera skills while deepening your understanding of the world through research, interviews, and writing.