The City’s youth and gang violence prevention initiative, also known as Building Better Futures, wrapped up two successful youth summer programs: Summer Training
and Enrichment Program (STEP) and the
Point, Aim, Shoot photography program.
The STEP program provided employment for approximately 500 youth and young adults ages 16-24 in 76 different businesses and organizations around Newport News. Participants spent two weeks in orientation and job training and eight weeks working at the job sites. To date, roughly 18 participants have been offered permanent employment with the job sites. Participants, businesses, and job coaches were recognized for a job very well done in a closing ceremony last Friday.
The five week Point, Aim, Shoot photography program helped 15 students to gain a new perspective behind the lens of a camera. The students, ages 15-17, learned to use cameras, photography software, drones, and computers to share their point of view in photos and video.
They took field trips and attended events that allowed them to venture throughout Newport News capturing photos that helped to tell the story of the city. Participants functioned as a full film production crew, learning how to edit and direct film and completing various projects. One of the projects was a commercial they created for
Jim’s Local Market where they wrote a script, shot the video, and created a tagline. They also attended the STEP closing ceremony as members of the press to take pictures and interview participants and businesses. Photos from students in the Point, Aim, Shoot photography program can be seen on the Facebook page
Point Aim & Shoot Studios.