Since 2001, ICP’s Teen Academy program has supported thousands of New York City high school students in using cameras as tools to tell their own stories, build community, and contribute to social change. And now, through a range of online classes, we welcome students from across the country and around the world! The program is designed to cultivate visual literacy, personal vision, and leadership skills through both seasonal and yearlong classes focused on the past, present, and future techniques involved in imagemaking and visual culture.

Register for Teen Academy Classes

Seasonal Classes

Teen Academy offers quarterly classes for every level. Photo I in Digital is geared for beginner-level students seeking an introduction to the principles of digital photography including camera use, composition, and editing. After learning the basics, students can further their visual storytelling skills in a Photo II in Digital course, which range in theme from portraiture to journalism and provide an opportunity for students to refine their technical and conceptual skills. 

All curricula is youth-centered and includes: photographic and writing assignments, digital darkroom time, visual presentations, discussions, critiques, a field trip, a guest artist visit, and a culminating presentation for family and friends celebrating the students’ achievements.

Imagemakers

Teen Academy Imagemakers enables motivated high school juniors and seniors to advance their digital photography, writing, and public speaking skills while developing an awareness of the creative and professional possibilities in the field. This weekly after-school program provides teen photographers with guidance from renowned teaching artists, virtual visits to museums, galleries, and studios, college-prep workshops, pre-professional assignments, mentorship opportunities, and a unique community of their peers. This 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 is featured in a culminating showcase on ICP’s website. 

Scholarships

Teen Academy is committed to making photography education accessible to all young people, regardless of their economic resources. Need-based scholarships are available to teens before the start of each term.

If you would like to be considered for a scholarship in an upcoming class, please complete an application. Scholarship applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. Upon submission, please allow two to three weeks to hear back regarding your application status.