Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy

February 04- Norfolk, Virginia--The National Guard Youth Foundation supports The Commonwealth Challenge Youth Academy as well as 38 other organizations in 29 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico.  This program gives students another chance for their education.  Some students just don't do well in traditional system.  The ChalleNGe program provides additional support, opportunities and discipline so that all participants can prosper.

The NGYF needs resources to support the existing programs as well as establish new ones.  As I do get a fee for photographing the NGYF annual ceremony, on this day long trip to photograph this academy, my services were donated.  To help the organization tell the story of how this ChalleNGe helps young people to enhance themselves, this is a worthy organization to support.

Go to the website to see the video I filmed, participants in their own word explain what the program has done for them.  http://www.ngyf.org it is only 40 seconds and inspiring!

All images made with Nikon Z6, available light, silent mode, being inconspicuous and unobtrusive is important while students are working.

Small classrooms and individual attention is the cornerstone of working toward graduation.

The ChalleNGe program enhances students' self-esteem, self-confidence, and life skills.

Discipline and physical activities 

Hear the testimonial of the life changing opportunities this program  has made.

Copyright 2019 Laurence L. Levin
No publication or rights granted without written permission
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National Guard Youth Foundation Portraits

February 20--Washington, DC--The National Guard Youth Foundation 2018 ChalleNGe Champions Recognition Reception is the annual event that recognizes many of the individuals and sponsors that make the ChalleNGe successful for nearly 10,000 young people throughout the country, every year.  A red carpet was set-up and these are a few of the portraits of the cadets who benefit from this program.  

Four continuous LED Lights were setup for this step and repeat (Westcott Flex Lights and Ledgo) This combination provided sufficient light to capture a broad area.  There was a little red pickup from the red carpet, but it all seemed to work well.  Using Continuous lights, you see how the light wraps around the subjects.  You can make adjustments easier than using flash.  Plus your subjects react each time a flash goes off, thus continuous light makes a better session and keeps the subjects relaxed.

Copyright 2018 Laurence L. Levin
www.LLLevin.com
Instagram @larrylevin
LinkedIn
No publication rights or usage rights granted without written permission.

National Guard Youth Foundation

Color Guard

December 05--Laurel, MD--The National Guard Youth Foundation supports the National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Program. This program provides opportunities to young people who need a second chance for their education.  Forty sites throughout the United States provide educational opportunities for students to earn their GED as well as physical training, mentoring and life skills.  The Capital Guardian Youth ChalleNGe Academy located in Laurel, Md serves the Washington, DC metro area.   Participants apply to enroll, there is a 5 1/2 month residential program.  The "structured" program is  military style where each person will earn their District of Columbia High School Diploma, develop job, leadership and academic skills as they improve their confidence, self esteem and pride.

Preparation

Competitive Basketball Team

Honor & Service

Inclusion

Team Work

Success

Copyright 2017 Laurence L. Levin
www.LLLevin.com
IG @larrylevin
NO usage or publication without written permission from Laurence L. Levin

All photos made with a Nikon D850.  The great thing working with young people is their ability to be patient and enjoy being photographed.  Plus getting them out of their daily routine, they were happy to "do it again" and "again.  Fun day with the cadets.