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Learning Through A Lens

A photographic and literary art program

Empowering Youth Through Photography & Creative Writing

Help fund free creative classes for underserved students ages 10–18

 United States
  • $0 raised of $33,500 goal
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  • 69 days left
This is a Fiscally-Sponsored Project

Fiscally Sponsored by Fractured Atlas

Learning Through A Lens is a free, arts-based education program that blends photography, creative writing, and self-discovery for youth ages 10–18. Designed to build confidence, emotional intelligence, and real-world skills, our program uplifts and inspires underserved students through creative expression.

Founded by Stephan Twist, Learning Through A Lens eliminates financial barriers by providing everything—tuition, cameras, materials—completely free of charge. Every student deserves the opportunity to see the world, and themselves, in a new light.

What We Do

Learning Through A Lens offers a dynamic virtual learning experience centered on developing essential critical thinking skills through visual literacy and creative writing. Using photography and storytelling as core tools, we guide students in reflection, communication, and personal growth.

Through the lens of a camera, students connect their inner experiences to the world around them—transforming their perspectives and building bridges between themselves and their communities. This creative exploration fosters self-awareness, empathy, and innovation, while amplifying youth voices through compelling, visual narratives.

Student Outcomes and Growth

  • Build confidence in their creative voice
  • Enhance visual literacy and critical thinking
  • Learn to craft and share meaningful personal narratives
  • Gain exposure to creative technology and career pathways
  • Grow emotionally and academically through arts-based learning

Program Structure

  • Program Offerings: Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer
  • Each Seasonal Cohort: 3 classes, 7 weeks each
  • Cohort Size: 10 students per class = 30 students per session
  • Annual Reach: 120 students
  • Format: Online via Zoom with live instruction, creative reflection, and hands-on projects

Annual Budget Overview

Category | Amount
Camera Kits & Equipment | $4,500
Shipping & Handling | $6,000
Materials (Journals, Supplies) | $1,800
Instructor & Assistant Fees | $14,700
Website, Tech & Marketing | $3,000
Curriculum Development | $3,500
Total | $33,500

How You Can Help

Your tax-deductible donation goes directly toward providing cameras, journals, mentorship, and meaningful creative experiences for students who need them most. No gift is too big or too small—every dollar helps a young person be seen, heard, and inspired. You're not just funding a program—you're changing a life.

Why Fiscal Sponsorship Matters

Learning Through A Lens is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. This fiscal sponsorship allows us to receive tax-deductible donations and ensures transparency, accountability, and access to essential funding as we grow.

Current Class Offerings

The Art of Photography (Ages 10–12)
 Introduction to visual design, composition, and storytelling basics.

Visual Literacy Through Photography (Ages 13–15)
 Learning to “read” and create powerful images through context and symbolism.

Self-Discovery Through Photography & Writing (Ages 16–18)
 Using visuals and creative writing to explore identity and lived experience.


About the Founder

Learning Through A Lens was founded by Stephan Twist, a fine art photographer and teaching artist with a deep passion for storytelling and creative empowerment. In 2012, he began leading small, hands-on photography and storytelling workshops for homeschooled students in the Greater DC Metro area. These early sessions laid the foundation for what would evolve into a dynamic, arts-based educational program designed to help young people find their voice, reflect on their experiences, and build meaningful communication skills.

Trained in art therapy-informed techniques, Stephan brings a unique perspective to his work—merging visual art with emotional intelligence and self-expression. Using analog cameras as a medium for intentional, hands-on image-making, he created Learning Through A Lens to offer accessible, meaningful arts education at no cost.

His long-term vision is to expand the program nationwide—providing mentorship, materials, and a sense of belonging to youth who need it most.

Final Thoughts

Learning Through A Lens isn’t just an art class—it’s a pathway to personal empowerment. We’re not only teaching kids how to take photographs; we’re helping them frame their stories, build their futures, and see their value.

Together, we can Frame the Future—one story, one student at a time.
Thank you for believing in the power of creative education.
Visit learningthroughalens.com to learn more.

Rewards

Focus Friend

Donate $25.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Your gift provides one student with essential visual tools—photo prints, camera accessories, and a journal—helping them begin their 7-week journey of self-expression through photography.

Story Spark

Donate $50.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help equip a student with essential creative tools for the entire 7-week course. Your donation covers journals, pens, handouts, and supplies—giving them everything they need to engage deeply in photography and storytelling.

Shutter Start

Donate $100.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Covers round-trip shipping for ten students’ camera kits, ensuring they can fully participate in the program—no matter where they live.

Full Frame

Donate $250.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Fully sponsor one student’s participation in our 7-week program. Your support provides instruction, mentorship, cameras, materials, and personal guidance—empowering a young person to discover their voice and vision through art.

Double Exposure

Donate $500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Provides full scholarships for two students, giving them the tools, guidance, and support to build confidence and creative skills through the program.

Creative Collective

Donate $1,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Your contribution helps fund a significant portion of one 7-week class, covering materials, student supplies, and teaching support. You’re bringing powerful, creative learning within reach for underserved youth.

Session Sponsor

Donate $2,500.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Your gift fully sponsors a 7-week program for 10 students, covering all costs—cameras, materials, instructor pay, and project support. You’ll be the reason a whole class of young artists gets to participate, learn, and grow together.

Visionary Circle

Donate $5,000.00 or more

Amount is fully tax-deductible.

Help expand Learning Through A Lens to reach more students. Your generosity sustains the program and brings powerful creative experiences to young people—so they can see the world, and themselves, in a new light.

Impact Story Circle

Donate $10,000.00 or more

Amount over $3,000.00 is tax-deductible.

Bring your brand to life while changing lives. As an Impact Story Circle supporter, you’ll receive a custom 3–5 minute documentary-style video produced by Paper Carrot Studio — plus social media cutdowns, branded visuals, and premier recognition. Market value of the video package is $3,500, making $6,500 of your gift tax-deductible. Your sponsorship directly funds free arts programming for underserved youth.