Testimonials

“I learned how to take a photo correctly in Critical Exposure, and I got to learn a lot of things about D.C. that I did not know... I felt welcomed when I came to the class. ”
Sharon, 11th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High School
“I learned how to take amazing pictures, and I learned how to start a peer jury by getting the advisors, the teachers, the principals, and everyone on board. In my average class everybody does not participate, but in Critical Exposure everyone speaks their mind and has their own opinions. It made me feel good because now I can give [the principal] some more ideas and maybe she’ll want to do those too. ”
Michelle, 12th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High School
“I did not have any experience with advocacy or public speaking before Critical Exposure, but now I will use what I learned to better myself in life.   ”
Tynia, 11th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High Schoo1
“Talking to my principal and bringing people around, it felt empowering because people were actually listening to us this time instead of letting it go in one ear and out the other. So I felt good about that. I guess they’re seeing that we’re maturing, so they’re starting to listen to us more, and to see what we want out of life. ”
Mike, 12th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High School
“From this program I have learned how to be a leader and to stand up when you want to make a change for something you believe in. ”
Tyrell, 12th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High School
“I like that we take photos to prove our point about things and make change. ”
Tynia, 11th grade, The Washington Metropolitan High School
“After seeing the photographs and hearing the personal stories of Critical Exposure students at The Washington Metropolitan High School, I was impressed by their articulate and thoughtful presentation. I wanted to give a strong response to their request to create a functioning library, so we found a way to allocate additional money for books and library furniture. Through their work on this campaign, our students have learned valuable skills in photography, project planning, and public speaking. Equally important, they have begun to learn what it takes to persuasively advocate for themselves and for their peers, preparing them to be effective leaders in their schools and communities. ”
Chad Ferguson, DCPS Superintendent of Cluster XI Schools
“I think from the photos showing the students actually at GW, enjoying the Upward Bound program, made it convincing for Dean Gomez that, yes, these students really do benefit and prosper from the program. And I think that’s what made him agree to, 'I will help you all out.'   ”
William, 12th Grade, LAYC Upward Bound
“ I was really super-proud of our kids, and how they prepared for the meeting with Dean Gomez. They showed a lot of maturity, a lot of passion, and it just motivates me to keep working with them... Now I know I can push them to do more because they can do more, and they showed it -- they exhibited that yesterday.   ”
Barlow Flores, Program Director, Latin American Youth Center - Upward Bound
“Dean Gomez saw the pictures that were on a slideshow and I believe that they put a face to the statistic -- to the 90% graduation rate from the program and 93% going to college. And then, it was just like, he understood what was happening in the program and what we’re striving to do. And the pictures just brought it out. ”
Jonathan, 11th Grade, LAYC Upward Bound

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Just $35 can help students exhibit their work. Click here.

Partnering with Critical Exposure allowed us to further develop the creative skills of the students and utilize those skills to provide greater context to the issues.

– Tim Eubanks, Community Organizer, Austin Voices for Education & Youth