OUR IMPACT
"This program really allowed me to learn how to say things when words are not good enough.”
Veteran, Binghamton program 2017.
THE NUMBERS - Over FY19, the Josephine Herrick Project
- Taught 29 programs, working with over 12 schools and 7 community partners to teach middle and high school aged youth, and with a range of 11 community based partners, including public libraries, settlement houses, senior centers and associations to teach seniors, disabled veterans, and others with mental and physical challenges.
- Taught over 470 participants of diverse ages and background
- Published 16 soft photo books of our student work
- Held 18 exhibitions of student work
13 in public - libraries, museums, cafés and galleries, and
5 in other spaces - schools, community, Veteran Centers and Museums
Reached at least 14,000 people through our exhibitions in New York City alone.
EVALUATING IMPACT
We know that the impact of our work with most of those with whom we work is transformative. Over 2018, Josephine Herrick Project worked with a specialist evaluation consultant to better evaluate that impact. This is still very much a work in progress as is monitoring the impact of our students work on the public who see it. Some of the first results are set out below.
“I am so proud of what I have been able to learn and accomplish ……The program has changed my life in so many ways.” Veteran, Suffolk program, March 2018
“I just love taking photos because the people will get to see what I see through my eyes.” McSilver Institute Leadership student, Spring 2018
“PTSD almost took my father away from me and his will to live.... At the gallery event this past year, I have never seen my dad so proud of himself and his work. To see my father beam with pride and have others praise his work meant the world to me, to him and my family.” JG, daughter of veteran, White Plains program, Winter 2018
TECHNICAL SKILLS
84% of all students reported having built stronger technical photographic skills and confidence in using a digital camera ;
26% believed their photography had dramatically improved.
“I've stepped out of my comfort zone thanks to JHP. I now own basic tools (along with slides, links, references, etc) that will serve to sharpen my photographs ahead. The next time I see a beautiful picture I will be inspired, for I've learned, that I too have the power to create.” Veteran, Harlem Vet Center, Fall 2020
“I am a senior (70) who can now Zoom, photoshop, and use Instagram. I have my camera, or cell phone with me at all times, ready to capture something fabulous. Grateful.” Student, F-Stop Seniors @ Queensbridge Houses, Fall 2020
“I have become passionate about taking pictures and excited to improve.” Student, International High School, Union Square, Fall 2017
BEYOND TECHNICAL SKILLS
80% of participants express new confidence in their ability to read and interpret photographs
68%, have confidence in their ability to tell a story through photography.
“The program improved my overall viewing and analysis of an image.”Student, International High School Lafayette, Brooklyn, 2019.
“I have learned a lot more about photography and viewing photos. I learned about light, different settings on the camera and the people behind the lenses.” Veteran, Harlem Vet Center, Fall 2020
61% state that they now want to see art and photography in museums and other places because of the program.
“Seeing exhibitions was really cool. First time in a museum. I want to go again with my friends.” Student, International High School LaGuardia, fall 2017.
We are proud of our teaching artists. Even before the introduction of the new 2019 curriculum and new teaching methodology, students consistently rate Josephine Herrick Project teachers as being strong.
“The teachers were so nice and they made me think deeply and share my ideas and thoughts and connect them with my pictures.” Student, International High School at LaGuardia, spring 2018.
“Each teacher really took time with each of us and gave so much help to all.” Veteran, Nassau, January, 2018