WHITE PLAINS, NEW YORK, USA
100CAMERAS X THEODORE D. YOUNG COMMUNITY CENTER
MADE POSSIBLE BY JOBY
100cameras X TDYCC is a part of a 8 class course that is custom designed by 100cameras to equip passionate creatives with the tools to empower youth in a community they care about with the opportunity to learn how to process their stories and create change. Pictured here are 100cameras students during the course. This program was made possible by JOBY.
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
100cameras X The Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC) took place during the fall of 2021 in White Plains, New York USA. In partnership with The Theodore D. Young Community Center (TDYCC), a multi-purpose facility that offers educational, cultural, social, and recreational services designed to meet the needs of a diverse community. The Center provides a well-rounded choice of services and programs for youth including an After-School Program, Recreational Sports Leagues, Roller-skating, Theater Arts Classes, Dance Programs, and Entrepreneurial Programs. Each of these programs for youth is framed by the positive youth development approach and includes homework help and tutoring to support the increasing school academic demands for students, furthering their commitment to provide programs that enhance student achievement and positive youth development.
TDYCC is a known and respected pillar for the White Plains community, providing a foundationally safe place for students to go for support, friendships, programs, and even much-needed resources such as food. For many hard-working parents, this after-school haven is considered an additional and trusted home for their families.
“When you expose children to things they may not have had the opportunity to - anything is possible. The world is theirs; they just need to know what options they have. The more introductions to different opportunities early can change the direction of a child’s life, break the cycle of a family and change the outcome of the world.
This has been educational and fun. Allowing them to move, create and express themselves...It is clear that these students are learning and comprehending what is being taught just through their conversation.”
“This group of students come from various backgrounds. This group is special because they have learned to work in this environment after just returning to school and learning how to readjust to the new techniques of learning. We have students that have different challenges in their lives however they are resilient in showing up and participating even on their bad days. I am in awe at their answers and commitment when they are fully present,” reflects Monique Gadson, TDYCC Director. “I know that this program is something completely out of their comfort zone, and they have learned to adjust to the process. Each week I see them grow and understand the value of the program however they do not know they are growing. During the time when I reflect on the students after class, I am grateful that they have been given this opportunity and I am a part of it. I know they can see the value of their work and understanding of the material every time a picture is shown and they explain it, using the terms that they have learned.”
“To be creative means to step outside your comfort zone, think outside of the box, and do things that you normally wouldn’t have done.
I’ve learned that there’s not one way to demonstrate your feelings, you could use photos to express your feelings. Photos can express feelings by let’s say the sky is dark. It could mean a bunch of stuff - like it could mean that there’s something sad going on maybe in the world, or it could just mean it’s just a bad day. You never really know - you have to interpret it the way you want to interpret it.”
MEET THE STUDENTS
STUDENT IMAGE GALLERY
Follow us on social media to see images from the field as captured by the 100cameras X TDYCC team and the student photographers. Thank you to JOBY for making this program possible!