The Paterson Youth Photography Project

The mission of PYPP is to enrich the lives of school age children in Paterson by introducing them to photography as a means for self-expression and an opportunity for personal growth.

Website. Go to www.pypp.org to view photos and further details about the Paterson Youth Photography Project.

What we’re about. PYPP is a collaborative endeavor established by volunteer photographers who work closely with the Paterson YMCA. The volunteers handle all teaching, recruiting, fundraising, and logistics. The Paterson YMCA provides classroom space at no cost in exchange for PYPP’s providing photography classes to their children – free for Paterson children.

Who benefits. As many as 80% of Paterson children qualify for free or reduced price lunches at school, so they are quite poor. Some of the 9-13 year old children in PYPP classes live in public housing. Most have little or no experience with photography, art exhibits, or field trips. All can benefit from a mentoring program like PYPP because they are smart, enthusiastic, and creative.

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