Outreach Programs

STUDENT AWARDS PROGRAM

Since 2004, a major activity of Professional Women Photographers has been the Student Awards Program. Started as a vehicle for young women in the 11th and 12th grades of New York City high schools, it has grown to include not only New York City, but students from around the metropolitan area. It has also grown to include 9th and 10th graders.

Each year letters are sent to over 200 high schools, art schools and art classes in the area asking for submissions to the exhibition. Each year the theme changes so that the young women and their teachers can think creatively and perhaps a little outside the box for their submissions. Each year we have young women continue to submit until they graduate from high school. It is very encouraging for us to see this talent in its earliest stages.

2010 produced over 75 submissions for more than 20 schools. Each student has one image selected for exhibition; the eight winners each have all three submissions exhibited. The theme in 2010 was Fruits and Vegetables in Black and White. The previous year’s theme was Water: Black and White. The upcoming show is completely different, Abstracts in Color. The exhibition is scheduled for the first two weeks in March 2012.

Through this program, which has cash prizes as well as the two-week exhibition, PWP encourages young women to unleash their creativity. We have seen some incredible examples of what 14-18 year olds can do and we hope this program will continue for many years to come.