Applications are open for the 2026-27 academic year Teen Academy Imagemakers program.
Teen Academy Imagemakers brings together motivated high school juniors, seniors, and gap year students to advance their digital photography, writing, and public speaking skills while developing an awareness of the creative and professional possibilities in the field. The program is designed for students who are passionate about photography and visual culture as mediums of empowerment and social change. By the end of the year, students will create an extensive portfolio, including an artist’s statement and CV. A selection of their best work will be featured in a culminating exhibition in ICP's museum as well as an online showcase on the ICP Teens website alongside past program alumni.
This weekly in-person program provides teen photographers with:
- Teaching team of photographers, editors, curators, and other industry professionals
- Photography assignments across genres
- Leadership skills and community building
- Critiques and portfolio development
- Writing and public speaking seminars
- College and career prep workshops
- Visits to museums, galleries, and artists’ studios
- Guest editor and artist workshops
- Participation in a student showcase in ICP gallery space
- Opportunity to print a collection of work in a zine or similar format
Workshop examples include:
- Portraiture
- Still-life
- Documentary essay
- Image Transfers
- Bookmaking
- ...and much more
Application Deadline:
All applications must be submitted online by Sunday, June 24, 2026 by 11:59PM ET. Applications will be considered complete once all materials in the application checklist have been received. Access the application here.
Program Eligibility Requirements:
- Young people ages 16-19 with Photo I & II in digital photography or equivalent experience are eligible to apply.
- This is an in-person program. Participants must be able to travel to ICP in Manhattan on a weekly basis for class as well as for special workshops, trips, and more.
Application Checklist:
- A photographic portfolio of ten images. The type of photography submitted can be varied (e.g. digital photography, scanned darkroom prints, photo collage, mixed media, etc.), but the portfolio should include a minimum of 4 digital photographs.
- Contact information for a reference (a teacher or mentor) who can attest to your personal and artistic strengths.
- A completed application questionnaire describing your experience, passion, and goals as they relate to the medium of photography and how the Imagemakers program would support your growth.
- If you'd like to receive an income-based scholarship/financial aid for the program, you'll also fill out some additional information regarding your family's income, etc.. Note that each year 50% of Imagemakers participants receive financial aid.
Program Dates:
Imagemakers will have an orientation in mid-September followed by weekly sessions on Wednesdays from October 2026 – June 2027. Additional weekend workshops will be required throughout the year. Dates will be provided in the program syllabus.
Tuition:
Teen Academy Imagemakers program tuition is $2400 for the full year. Tuition is collected on a trimester basis before the first class of each trimester.
Cost breakdown:
- Fall 2026: $1000 due in September
- Winter 2027: $700 due in January
- Spring 2027: $700 due in April
Scholarships are available to applicants who demonstrate financial need. If you would like to be considered for a need-based scholarship, be sure to indicate that on your online application and you will be prompted to provide additional information.
Section I: Student Information
Section II: Parent/Guardian Information
Section III: Prerequisites & Student Questionnaire
Section IV: Scholarship & Tuition
Section V: Reference Info
Section VI: Student Portfolio
For more information and/or questions, you can reach us at [email protected] or 212-857-0011.