Shutterbug dreams: how 100 Cameras for 100 Kids empowers the youth of Indianapolis

Photographer and mentor Darnell Scott knows how impactful a mentor and a camera can be in one’s life. In 1998, Scott served as a corrections officer at a women’s prison. During his tenure, Scott was concerned about the prisoners’ idle time during their sentences. “I wanted to put a camera in the inmates’ hands,” Scott said. “I was ultimately concerned for their [the inmates’] children, wondering who was caring for the kids and mentoring them while their moms, sisters, and aunts were in prison.” Unfortunately, Scott could not pursue his passion for sharing photography with others from inside the prison walls. However, he could help their children in his own unique way. Photographer and mentor David Dixon helping one of the kids in the program with their photography skills. (Photo provided/Darnell Scott) Fast forward to 100 Cameras for 100 Kids. Led by program coordinator Dennis Jarrett of the Next Generation Initiative, 100 Cameras for 100 Kids believes that photography allows kids and young adults a different perspective, metaphorically and literally. One apprentice posing for the camera during their time as a part of the 100 Cameras for 100 Kids program, sponsored by Next Generation Initiative. (Photo provided/Darnell Scott) “From an...