Introduction

About us

Four Youth offers underserved youth from grades K-12 innovative STEAM education that blends art with science, engineering, and cooking. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides supplemental educational programs at schools and community organizations as well as free weekend programming at our headquarters.

Introduction

About us

With guidance from professional photographers and designers, our students learn to create fascinating photographic artwork inspired by math, science, engineering, and nature. Our students learn valuable entrepreneurship skills by selling their own artwork at local art exhibitions and festivals. All of the profits from these sales go towards our College Scholarship Initiative.

Introduction

About us

Students who joined Four Youth in kindergarten have the opportunity to continue to learn and work with us through 12th grade. We offer employment opportunities to our high school students as teaching assistants to our younger students and event photographers which helps pave the way towards their future careers.

Restart

President Biden
Student Exhibition

President Biden
Student Art Exhibition

Student Employment

Science
Education

Science Education

Photography
Excursions

Photography Excursions

Student Art
Exhibitions

Student Art Exhibitions

Annual Gravity
Art+Science festival

Annual Gravity
Art + Science Festival

Guest Teachers

Cooking
Education

Cooking Education

Engineering
Education

Engineering Education

Mission

We lead underserved students on a journey that inspires intellectual and creative growth. We provide education in a stable, safe, and supportive environment where youth from diverse backgrounds thrive throughout their formative years. By providing scholarships to students through art sales they participate in, we cultivate their entrepreneurial spirit. This spirit combined with meaningful employment opportunities and mentorship encourages and facilitates college admission and supports their future endeavors.

By Leo Duprey - Age 13

"Planets of My Dreams"

By Leo Duprey - Age 13

"Planets of My Dreams"

By Leo Duprey - Age 13

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

"World of Knowledge"

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

"World of Knowledge"

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

By A’Cora Hickson- age 16

"A Pathway to Safety"

By A'Cora Hickson - Age 16

"Pathway to Safety"

"A Pathway to Safety"

By A’Cora Hickson- age 16

By Leo Duprey - age 13

"I Jam, I Flow, I Am"

By Leo Duprey - age 13

"I Jam, I Flow, I Am"

By Leo Duprey - age 13

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

"Delaware Exit"

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

"Delaware Exit"

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

"My mask is someone else"

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

"My mask is someone else"

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

"My mask is someone else"

By Johana Melendez - Age 13

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

"Home"

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

"Home"

By Jairus Branch - Age 15

Student and
Community
Impact

Student and
Community Impact

We take pride in cultivating long-lasting relationships with students and partners to ensure a sustaining impact on the communities we serve. Volunteers, professionals, non-profit organizations, schools, families and clients who subscribe to our mission join our efforts to promote a better future for underserved youth. These relationships allow us to provide students with support and mentorship that expands beyond our personal expertise, and offer our students uniquely motivating and inspiring opportunities.

Inspiring Women in STEM

Student A’cora Hickson presenting her personal Four Youth experience to a large audience at the Inspiring Women in STEM conference during our 3rd consecutive year invited to present our story.

Blue Hen Leadership Program Partnership

BHLP has been a partner since 2013. They organize and host our largest art sale and gala every year. BHLP students also work with our organization in the development of new programs for our students.

Colourworks Partnership

Since 2014 Colourworks has been partners. We built a photography studio and classrooms above their print shop on Superfine Lane. We started Superfine that offers affordable studio rentals to local photographers as well as other services.

Wilmington Alliance’s Creative District Partnership

Creative District has involved our photography students in multiple community projects and events. Our partnership has aided our students to grow as both photographers and members of their community.

Delaware Orthopaedic Specialists Partnership

DOS is a big supporter and partner. They sponsor Gravity Festival and leased our student artwork. In 2019 our student Corri Hickson shadowed Dr. Peter Townsend, which solidified her dream of becoming a doctor.

West Center City Murals

A celebration of local families to brighten the streets with encouragement and positivity. Spearheaded by our partner Creative District Wilmington. Photographed by our students, designed by board president Raphaël Dahan.

Delaware State Parks Partnership

In collaboration with Wilmington State Parks we provide free nature education programs at Alapocas State Park to our weekend students.

Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum has given our students a strong sense of pride in having their art on display on multiple occasions in a real museum. DAM facilitated a collaboration with world renowned painter, Margaret Bowland.

Trader Joe's Cooking Classes

Trader Joe’s has been a ongoing supporter of our organization. Their representatives have led several cooking classes at Thomas Edison Charter School. They have supported multiple Gravity Festivals providing delicious activities for attendees.

University of Delaware Partnership

UD College of Engineering has been actively involved with our students for 6 years now. Multiple professors, undergrad, and graduate students have volunteered in after-school classes, STEAM Days, and Gravity Festivals. Jairus Branch received an internship at the department of Mechanical Engineering.

Delaware Center for Horticulture

DCH partners with us for the production of the Gravity Festival 2018/2019, provide nature programming to our students, and invite us to exhibit yearly in their gallery. DCH also supports our students and organization through becoming one of our largest clients for event photography.

Moonloop Photography

Joe Del Tufo, co-owner of Moonloop photography has collaborated on multiple unique experiences and done multiple photography sessions with our students. He arranged that the students could photograph Firefly festival in 2018 and 2019.

West Side Grows Together

West Side Grows hires our students as event photographers for their annual community events including Better Block and United Neighbors. This opportunity showcases to our students effective change can be made in our community.

Student since 2013 •
Event photographer since 2016 •
Teacher's aid since 2016 •

Jairus Branch

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2016

Student Impact
Statement

"Four Youth can be an important factor to your life that will change you into a greater person. It is an important factor to my life since 5th grade to now and in the future. When I decided to participate in Four Youth I had a feeling of interest in the program, and as I continued to participate in the program I felt like this is something I would want to do during my last 3 years in middle school. After I graduated from Thomas Edison Charter School, where they teach aftercare programs, I decided to work with them as a teachers assistant. Some may say the best experience was meeting President Joe Biden, or going out of state on adventures taking photos of subjects we don’t see on a daily basis, but it was not that...

...My favorite part about Four Youth is actually working with the kids that are interested in the program. In all educational programs or classes that should be an important factor to the instructors and students, and it feels meaningful to me that I can build that great bond with the children who participate. Due to me having someone there for me when I first participated in Four Youth, I want to be there for them to build students into better people and exploring new opportunities in the world with them."

Next Student

Jairus Branch

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2016

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

"Four Youth can be an important factor to your life that will change you into a greater person. It is an important factor to my life since 5th grade to now and in the future. When I decided to participate in Four Youth I had a feeling of interest in the program, and as I continued to participate in the program I felt like this is something I would want to do during my last 3 years in middle school. After I graduated from Thomas Edison Charter School, where they teach aftercare programs, I decided to work with them as a teachers assistant. Some may say the best experience was meeting President Joe Biden, or going out of state on adventures taking photos of subjects we don’t see on a daily basis, but it was not that...

...My favorite part about Four Youth is actually working with the kids that are interested in the program. In all educational programs or classes that should be an important factor to the instructors and students, and it feels meaningful to me that I can build that great bond with the children who participate. Due to me having someone there for me when I first participated in Four Youth, I want to be there for them to build students into better people and exploring new opportunities in the world with them."

Next Student

Kylah Arnold

Student since 2013 •
Event photographer since 2016 •
Teacher's aid since 2016 •

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2017

Student Impact
Statement

"When I first joined the program, the engineering and programming part of it grabbed my attention. At the time I had taught myself basic code and simple programming. Joining Four Youth increased my skills almost immediately, I wasn’t too fond of the photography aspect at first until me and Ms. Dahan realized I was really good at capturing a moment. That was the moment I fell in love with photography. Over the many years, I’ve taken countless photos, and created an abundance of memories I’ll never forget. Seeing people buy my artwork at such a young age left a very strong impression on me."

Next Student

Kylah Arnold

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2017

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

"When I first joined the program, the engineering and programming part of it grabbed my attention. At the time I had taught myself basic code and simple programming. Joining Four Youth increased my skills almost immediately, I wasn’t too fond of the photography aspect at first until me and Ms. Dahan realized I was really good at capturing a moment. That was the moment I fell in love with photography. Over the many years, I’ve taken countless photos, and created an abundance of memories I’ll never forget. Seeing people buy my artwork at such a young age left a very strong impression on me."

Next Student

Student since 2013 •
Event photographer since 2016 •
Teacher's aid since 2016 •

Corri Hickson

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2016

Student Impact
Statement

“People live to say, “ Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. teach a man how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. What they don’t say is, “and it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.”this quote is from Trevor Noah. In this analogy, imagine me as the man. Give me hope and I’ll be hopeful for a day. But teach me how to step outside of the box and challenge me to think and I’ll be inspired for a lifetime. The difference between Noah and my analogy is that I was given my fishing rod: Four Youth Productions. They opened my eyes to a new lens and helped me develop a passion for photography but also pushed me to want to become a doctor. Four Youth has expanded my knowledge in art and science, helped me create relationships, meet new people, and opened new doors for me.”

Next Student

Corri Hickson

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2017

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

“People live to say, “ Give a man a fish, and he’ll eat for a day. teach a man how to fish and he’ll eat for a lifetime. What they don’t say is, “and it would be nice if you gave him a fishing rod.”this quote is from Trevor Noah. In this analogy, imagine me as the man. Give me hope and I’ll be hopeful for a day. But teach me how to step outside of the box and challenge me to think and I’ll be inspired for a lifetime. The difference between Noah and my analogy is that I was given my fishing rod: Four Youth Productions. They opened my eyes to a new lens and helped me develop a passion for photography but also pushed me to want to become a doctor. Four Youth has expanded my knowledge in art and science, helped me create relationships, meet new people, and opened new doors for me.”

Student since 2013 •
Event photographer since 2016 •
Teacher's aid since 2016 •

A'Cora Hickson

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2016

Student Impact
Statement

I like Fouryouth because it's for me. It says Four Youth, because it is for me. Kind of corny but true. Four Youth gives me opportunities. Like meeting and shaking the hand of Vice President Joe Biden at his home in D.C. How many 13 years olds have that opportunity? Like he looked in my eyes and shook my hand. The most amazing things.

Next Student

A'Cora Hickson

• Student since 2013
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2017

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

I like Fouryouth because it's for me. It says Four Youth, because it is for me. Four Youth has given my many opportunities. Our photography excursions have takes us to many places. Especially cool was meeting and shaking the hand of Vice President Joe Biden at his home in D.C. How many 13 years olds have that opportunity? Like he looked in my eyes and shook my hand. We've done the most amazing things.

Next Student

Student since 2014 •
Event photographer since 2016 •
Teacher's aid since 2018 •

Braheem Wilson

• Student since 2014
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2018

Student Impact
Statement

“Four Youth is my second home. When me and the Four Youth group go out, we always have fun no matter where we go or what we do. It gives me something positive to do. When I first joined, my mom told me I played too many video games and had to get out of the house more. So my friends told me that Fouryouth was the thing and said I should come to the after school classes. I tried out a few classes, loved it, and decided to stay. Now I am happy that I did because I have a second family.”

Next Student

Braheem Wilson

• Student since 2014
• Event photographer since 2016
• Teacher's aid since 2018

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

“Four Youth is my second home. When me and the Four Youth group go out, we always have fun no matter where we go or what we do. It gives me something positive to do. When I first joined, my mom told me I played too many video games and had to get out of the house more. So my friends told me that Fouryouth was the thing and said I should come to the after school classes. I tried out a few classes, loved it, and decided to stay. Now I am happy that I did because I have a second family.”

Testimonial

"The talent shown by these students reflects that there are no boundaries, financial, or otherwise, when it comes to our given creativity and gifts. Their passionate work with photography and digital art are a source of pride, not just for me, but for all in my office. I once again command Four Youth Productions on outstanding work as an outstanding non-profit and think it is inspirational how much work is being done to support underprivileged youth. I want to wish Four Youth Productions the best of luck in the future and recognize the great work this organization is doing in order to better the communities’ youth’s lives."

"The talent shown by these students reflects that there are no boundaries, financial, or otherwise, when it comes to our given creativity and gifts. I want to wish Four Youth the best of luck in the future and recognize the great work this organization is doing in order to better the communities’ youth’s lives."

Senator Chris Coons

Chris Coons

United States Senator of Delaware.
Office Artwork Exhibition.

Testimonial

"Four Youth Productions expands student’s exposure to the vast world of science. They are beyond creative with their delivery and the students love to participate. I highly recommend any Four Youth Production!"

Marquita Ransom

Thomas Edison Charter School.
After School Program Client.

Testimonial

"My experience with Four Youth has always been one of possibility. I am amazed by the students' collective work, always professional, interesting but still with their unique eye. I have worked with the students on a number of photoshoots and events over the last few years, including a few at the Firefly Music Festival. I recall watching them confidently work with world-class musicians at Firefly like Kamasi Washington and Lucy Dacus. The Four Youth experience is able to infuse their students with achievements for which there is no measure."

"My experience with Four Youth has always been one of possibility. I am amazed by the students' collective work, always professional, interesting but still with their unique eye. I have worked with the students on a number of photo shoots and events over the last few years. The Four Youth experience is able to infuse their students with achievements for which there is no measure."

Joe del Tufo

Professional Photographer.
Partner and Guest Teacher.

Testimonial

“Our campers always enjoy Four Youth Productions during Summer Camp and the activities that they provide. Going into this summer of “Virtual Four Youth”, our campers really enjoy the Zoom lessons with Ms. Theresa and her guests! The activities are well thought out, perfect for their age level, and the delivery of the lessons are enjoyable for all!”

Chrissy Jeffrey

Summer Camp Director
Bellevue Community Center.
After School Program Client.

Bellevue Community Center
After School Program Client.

Testimonial

The programming and talent that comes out of Four Youth Productions is absolutely incredible. Aside from receiving world-class photography services, it is a pleasure to work with the students at our annual events and see how much they have grown and what amazing opportunities they are embarking on. The photography skills of their entire team - professionals and students alike - are second-to-none, and the product is timeless."

"The programming and talent that comes out of Four Youth Productions is absolutely incredible and a testament to the dedication Theresa and Raphael have for their students. Aside from receiving world-class photography services, it is a pleasure to work with the students year after year at our annual events and see how much they have grown and what amazing opportunities they are embarking on. The photography skills of their entire team - professionals and students alike - are second-to-none, and the product is timeless. It is a privilege for us to support Four Youth programming and the students lucky enough to be a part of this life-changing program."

Catherine Kempista

Catherine
Kempista

Delaware Center for Horticulture.
Photography Client.

Testimonial

Working with Four Youth Productions has been a fun experience and has significantly improved my people skills. I've gotten the opportunity to work with children on STEM related after school activities, plan a family-friendly escape room, work alongside a team of photographers to take photos of Levar Burton and help with adjusting lighting for portraits. Throughout my work with Four Youth, I met many amazing people along the way and learned about my work ethic. Four Youth has opened so many doors for me and helped me stay connected to people that continue to give me reasons to improve my work and will always help me strive for better.

"Working with Four Youth Productions has been a fun experience and has significantly improved my people skills. I have met many amazing people along the way and learned about my work ethic. Four Youth has opened so many doors for me and helped me stay connected to people that continue to give me reasons to improve my work and will always help me strive for better."

Yazmin Ortega

Youth Employee

Testimonial

"Four Youth Productions has been a blessing to me and my son, Leo, and feels more like extended family rather than an organization. Leo started participating in Four Youth in elementary school and continued until after he graduated high school. He learned so much about science, photography and technology, but the biggest lesson he learned was that his visions can become a reality with the right tools and mindset"

"Four Youth Productions has been a blessing to me and my son, Leo, and feels more like extended family rather than an organization. He learned so much about science, photography and technology, but the biggest lesson he learned was that his visions can become a reality with the right tools and mindset."

Samantha Hudson

Parent of Four Youth student

Testimonial

The First State School has worked with Four Youth Productions for 3 years and in that time our students have truly enjoyed the interactive and exciting projects. Our students ages K-12 have participated in hands-on activities such as cooking, photography, STEM projects, and various arts and crafts. They allowe our students to expand their creative horizons and experience art in a completely original way. Even throughout online learning, Mrs. Emmett created virtual art classes that the students look forward to each week. She designs each program to fit our students needs and adapts activities to their skill levels. We even got to take field trips to the art studio where the students got to be a part of a live photo shoot. Four Youth will continue to be a vital part of our schools curriculum for years to come and we can’t wait to see what exciting projects they come up with next!

Four Youth Productions allows our students to expand their creative horizons and experience art in a completely original way. They design each program to fit our students needs and adapt activities to their skill levels They will continue to be a vital part of our schools curriculum for years to come!

Brittany Barnes

Recreational Therapist, First State School.
Programming Client.

First State School.
Programming Client.

Testimonial

“Inspiring” describes Four Youth Productions. In my opinion the enduring value is in the talents students discover and the self- awareness they gain as they thrive in this special community. The self-confidence they build through interpersonal communication with mentors and employers benefits them throughout their lives. As the coordinator of nonprofit exhibitors to the Inspiring Women in STEM Delaware conference, I’ve invited a student from Four Youth for the past 3 years to make a presentation to the audience of 300 STEM leaders. I was lucky to meet A’Cora Hickson, and at the next year’s conference, her sister Corri. Corri shared how she discovered a love of photography at Four Youth and, after college, might like to become a doctor. She also described the art work at the display table with maturity. A’Cora and Corri are inspiring to me and, because of students like them I look forward to staying involved with Four Youth.

"Inspiring” describes Four Youth Productions. They provide a safe, caring environment where underserved students from diverse backgrounds freely explore art, science, engineering, and cooking! In my opinion, the enduring value is in the talents students discover and the self- awareness they gain as they thrive in this special community. The self-confidence they build through interpersonal communication with mentors and employers benefits them throughout their lives"

Barbara Garland

Non Profit Coordinator.
Inspiring Women in STEM Conference.

Education Programs

We offer STEAM programming to students from kindergarten through 12th grade virtually online, at schools, community organizations and at our headquarters in downtown Wilmington. Our innovative cross-curriculum approach combines Science, Cooking, Engineering and Photography. Below are institutions where our programs have been made available.

Employment

Our high school students are hired as employees. This provides purposeful employment in a stable, nurturing and supportive environment under the mentorship of our team and our partners. In addition to gaining real-life work experience they also help to inspire the next Four Youth generation.

Class Instructor Aids

At age 16, after years of experience with our programming, students are prepared to take on the added responsibility of helping to teach their younger counterparts. They are hired by us and employed as assistant teachers in programming we offer to our clients. It is a great tool to teach them responsibility and it also allows them to become mentors and positive role models to our elementary students.

Event Photographers

Our most talented photography students are hired as event photographers. This offers them real-life work experience and extends our lessons with on-the-job training which has proved to be a very powerful and effective teaching mechanism. The students learn how to execute briefings from a client, how to interact with visitors at events, how to network, and how to conduct themselves professionally.

Scholarship
Initiative

Scholarship Initiative

Our students sell their artwork to the public. 100% of all the profits earned from these sales go directly to our College Scholarship Initiative (CSI). CSI is a centralized fund setup by our financial advisor and is used to promote college admission and supports our students’ future endeavors. During the course of this program we have awarded over $10,000.00 in scholarships to our students. CSI gives students a tangible sense of achievement and builds their confidence.

Purchasing or leasing artwork is a great way to support our students.

Download our PDF

Thank you for downloading.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Purchasing or leasing artwork is a great way to support our students.

Download our PDF

Thank you for downloading.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Purchasing or leasing artwork is a great way to support our students.

Download our PDF

Thank you for downloading.
We look forward to hearing from you.

Support
Our Mission

If you like what we do, please consider becoming a supporter by signing up for monthly donations. Levels start as low as the price of one cup of coffee per month to make it affordable to everyone. Click on one of the three levels below to start your monthly donation.

If you prefer to make a single, non-recurring donation to support us, please click the link below.

Contact Us

Contact

Feel free to reach out to us with any inquiries you might have.

Please contact us for special assistance requests 48 hours prior to programming or events. We are here to help ensure that our programs and events are open and accessible to everyone.

1900 Superfine Lane, Suite 9.
Wilmington, Delaware 19802
302.428.9946
contact@fouryouth.org

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POWERED BY MAILCHIMP

The Power of Four.

The Power
of Four.

Introduction

About us

Introduction

About us

Introduction

About us

Mission

Mission

Student andCommunity Impact

Student andCommunity Impact

Student ImpactStatement

Student ImpactStatement

StudentImpactSatement

Student ImpactStatement

Student ImpactStatement

StudentImpactSatement

Student ImpactStatement

Student ImpactStatement

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Student ImpactStatement

Student ImpactStatement

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Student ImpactStatement

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Education Programs

Education Programs

Employment

Employment

ScholarshipInitiative

Scholarship Initiative

SupportOur Mission

SupportOur Mission

Contact Us

Contact

Student and
Community
Impact

Student and
Community Impact

Student Impact
Statement

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

Student Impact
Statement

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

Student Impact
Statement

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

Student Impact
Statement

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

Student Impact
Statement

Student Impact
Statement

Student
Impact
Satement

Scholarship
Initiative

Support
Our Mission

Support
Our Mission