Capturing Stories That Matter
At Channel A TV Foundation, we believe in the power of visual storytelling to spark dialogue, preserve history, and inspire change. Our Photo Journalism Program is more than just taking pictures—it’s about teaching the next generation how to see the world through a lens of truth, creativity, and social impact.
Through mentorship, hands-on experience, and internship opportunities, we provide youth and emerging creatives in the community with the tools, training, and platform to capture compelling stories from their own neighborhoods and beyond.
Empowering Youth Through Visual Media
In today’s fast-paced world, photojournalism plays a critical role in shaping public perception and telling the untold stories of our communities. Channel A TV Foundation proudly offers:
- Mentorship from professional photographers and journalists with real-world experience
- Internships and on-site training at major events such as the BET Awards, Juneteenth Celebrations, Cultural Festivals, Political Forums, and Community Town Halls
- Workshops on photo techniques, lighting, storytelling, ethics, and editing
- Opportunities to have student work published across our media platforms including Roku TV, Channel A TV, and social media
Skill-Building & Professional Development
Our program is designed to introduce youth and creatives to the full process of visual storytelling. From shooting impactful portraits to capturing live action during civic events or concerts, students will gain:
- Technical skills in camera operation and post-production
- Interviewing and caption-writing techniques
- Experience in working under deadlines and real-time coverage
- Understanding of photojournalism as a tool for advocacy and cultural preservation
Participants leave our program with a professional portfolio, real media credits, and the confidence to pursue careers in photography, journalism, digital media, and the arts.
Community-Centered Storytelling
At the heart of our Photo Journalism program is a mission to elevate local stories—the people, moments, and movements shaping our communities. Whether it’s a protest, a celebration, or a quiet story of resilience, our student photographers learn to honor the dignity and diversity of the communities they represent.
We also engage in collaborative storytelling projects with community leaders, nonprofits, artists, and elected officials to ensure that youth voices are included in documenting the ongoing history of our region.
A Global Vision, A Local Impact
While our roots are in Washington State, our vision is global. Through our coverage of national and international events, our photojournalists are trained to engage with the world from a culturally conscious lens, amplifying stories from Africa and the diaspora, the immigrant experience, youth empowerment, and social justice.
Get Involved
We are always seeking mentors, sponsors, educators, and passionate creatives to join us in training the next generation of storytellers. You can support by:
- Hosting or facilitating a workshop
- Becoming a guest mentor
- Sponsoring equipment or photo exhibits
- Sharing internship opportunities
- Donating to support youth training initiatives
Empowering the Next Generation of Visual Storytellers
At Channel A TV Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of photography and storytelling. Our Photo Journalism Program is committed to empowering youth and emerging creatives in our community by providing them with the skills, mentorship, and real-world experiences necessary to become influential storytellers in today’s media landscape.
Through the lens of a camera, young people can find their voice, capture moments of significance, and tell stories that inspire change. Our program emphasizes the art of ethical storytelling, cultural representation, and journalistic integrity.
Mentorship, Training, and Real-World Experience
Our Photo Journalism initiative offers an immersive learning experience for youth who aspire to careers in journalism, digital media, or the creative arts. By combining hands-on training with professional mentorship, participants are given a unique opportunity to develop their talent while engaging with stories that shape our communities.
Key components of our program include:
- Mentorship by Professional Journalists and Photographers
Our mentors include award-winning photojournalists, editors, producers, and visual artists who provide personalized guidance, career advice, and technical training.
- Internship Opportunities at Major Events
Youth gain real-time media experience covering high-profile events such as the BET Awards, WE Day, Juneteenth Celebrations, Cultural Heritage Festivals, Legislative Forums, and more.
- Workshops and Masterclasses
We offer workshops in digital photography, lighting, composition, storytelling, editing, ethics in journalism, and the use of photography for civic engagement and advocacy.
- Published Work and Media Exposure
Students are given platforms to showcase their work on our digital outlets, including Channel A TV on Roku, our website, social media platforms, and community exhibits—helping them build professional portfolios.
Telling the Stories That Matter
Our mission is rooted in community-centered storytelling. We teach our students not just to take photos, but to document history, amplify unheard voices, and preserve cultural narratives. We emphasize:
- Representation and Cultural Accuracy
Ensuring that stories are told with dignity and reflect the richness of the communities they portray.
- Youth Voice and Agency
Encouraging young people to explore their identities, perspectives, and experiences through a visual medium.
- Civic and Social Responsibility
Training photojournalists to cover stories related to activism, public policy, and community development—placing young creatives at the forefront of change.
Local Roots, Global Reach
Although we operate from Washington State, our impact transcends borders. Through media partnerships, cultural exchange programs, and international collaborations, our Photo Journalism participants have the opportunity to engage with global movements, diaspora narratives, and issues affecting African and immigrant communities around the world.
Our alumni have gone on to work in television production, nonprofit media, sports broadcasting, and the creative arts, armed with both technical skills and a sense of purpose.
How You Can Support
We invite educators, professional creatives, businesses, and community members to join us in this vital work. You can support our Photo Journalism program by:
- Becoming a Guest Mentor or Workshop Leader
- Sponsoring Equipment (Cameras, Laptops, Editing Software)
- Hosting Youth Interns or Providing Fellowship Opportunities
- Funding Youth-Led Exhibitions and Public Installations
- Donating to Our Youth Media Programs
Together, we can cultivate a generation of visual journalists who are not only creative but also socially aware and civically engaged.
