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

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)
October – June
Wednesdays, 4:15–6:00 PM

High School (Grades 9-12)
October – June
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM

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.

Mandatory orientation for accepted students:
Middle School: June 27, 12-3 PM 

High School: June 27, 6-7 PM 

Middle School (Grades 7th-8th)
APPLY HERE
Program Dates: June 30 – August 1, 2025
Monday + Wednesday, 11 AM – 4 PM
Application Deadline: June 10, 2025

Middle School students will be exploring the world of photography. From cyanotypes, to analog film, to digital photography, students will be gaining in-depth knowledge on the history and technology behind the camera. This 6-week program ends in the culmination of a final show on August 1st. 

High School (Grades 9th – 12th)
APPLY HERE
Program Dates: June 30 – August 1, 2025
Tuesdays + Thursdays, 11 AM – 4 PM
Application Deadline: June 10, 2025

High School students will learn to report, produce, and edit video and audio narrative pieces, telling the stories of the Bronx in a visual medium. This 6-week program ends in the culmination of a final show on August 1st. 

Questions about the program or the application? “Drop-in” during the YPL Open House on Friday, June 9th – 12th, anytime between 4:30pm – 6pm or contact Ricardo Partida, Summer YPL Coordinator, at education@bronxdoc.org.

You must currently be a 6th – 12th grade student.

Nope! We welcome anyone from the five boroughs of New York City, although preference is given to Bronx-based applicants. The only requirement is that you’re able to get to and from class every week. 

The YPL is completely FREE for all enrolled students! We provide equipment, cover the cost of any field trip transportation, and even have pre-class snacks.

During the summer, classes meet twice weekly at varying times, and during the school year, after-school sessions are held. High school students meet twice a week, middle school students once a week, with optional open lab time on Saturdays. College success workshops for high schoolers take place on weeknights and Saturdays. All classes are held at the Bronx Documentary Center’s Annex at 364 151st Street, Bronx, NY.

No prior experience is required! Our classes are geared to challenge students of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. If you have previous experience, make sure to note this on your application, as occasionally we will move students to a more advanced class.

Nope! The BDC provides all necessary equipment for students during their time in the program. This includes analog cameras, digital cameras, and laptops for use onsite with the full Adobe Creative Suite.

Although returning YPL students are given preference during the application process, you still need to apply!

Learn to tell impactful stories about what matters to you through documentary photography—a medium often used to highlight social issues. You’ll develop strong photography skills and gain a deeper understanding of the world by incorporating research, interviews, and writing into your storytelling.